There's a condition in every singer's life when the scare sets in... it's called "Laryngitis". You feel it coming on... the dreaded bug that causes your vocal cords to swell...you lose your voice... then you get "well" but when you try to sing it's like you can't get it back! AAAAHHHH!!!! What can you do???

Here is my experience with successfully getting the voice back from laryngitis:

First... some things to do while your larynx is red and inflamed:

Voice rest (partial or complete)is very wise. When you must speak, don't whisper, which will cause more dehydration of your vocal cords. Instead, use clear bell-like tones. Better yet, write what you want to say on a pad. Silence is golden.

Use a humidifier. If you use a warm one, you can put it right up to your face. If you use a cold air one, you must be careful NOT to aim it at your face or sleep with the door closed (think about how leaving a window open with cold night air would leave you sounding).

For a bad cough, try homemade honey & onion cough syrup. The last time I came down with viral laryngitis with terrible dry hacking cough, my mother reminded me of this from my childhood. It worked better to quell the coughing fits than anything else I tried! Caution: don't make it with honey for very young children. Use sugar instead.

Then, after the active infection causing the swelling is gone, and it doesn't hurt to talk:

Slowly and carefully do some vocal exercises to pump the interstitial fluid out of the tissues. [NOTE: Look at the bottom of this post for a free download of vocal recovery exercises I've added to this updated post. You are most welcome:)]

Some of the exercises you'll find helpful: Lip trills, bubbles, siren sounds, easy scales... start in the middle of your range and work outward. Slowly expand, but DO NOT stretch your range where it hurts! As the swelling goes down, the voice comes back, and more vigorous vocalizing and stretching can be used to build back the strength and flexibility of the instrument. Be careful to avoid over-lifting the larynx for high notes.

When healing after a bad case of laryngitis, it's common to become "guarded" when using the recently wounded voice. Tension invariably and counterproductively builds as a singer tries to protect the cords. This is why it might be a good idea for you to see a trusted vocal coach in person, because you probably don't even realize the tension you could be holding in neck, shoulders, jaw, etc. Of course, if the laryngitis is not from a virus but from mis-use of your voice, a vocal coach is definitely the right way to go.

When you first begin vocalizing after healing, you might find yourself with a feeling of light hoarseness I call "the helium effect". In my experience, AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT APPLYING TOO MUCH PRESSURE AT YOUR THROAT, this effect goes away after about 3 or 4 days. It's important that this effect not be because you are applying incorrect breath pressure or having your throat channel tight or constricted. NOTE: this "helium effect" is not a feeling of throat strain. It's just that you temporarily lose a bit of your low end.

To help you balance breath support and breath control, and to help you open your throat, I recommend "wall work". Stand with your back to the wall, head and heel against the wall. Keeping your chin flexibly level and putting your hands up about chest level so they aren't ribcage anchors, sing an easy song. Squeeze your butt for power so as to cause your chest to expand.

Very important: If your laryngitis does not go away after a reasonable period of time and of proper vocal exercises, see a doctor. Chronic laryngitis can be a sign of cancer or of vocal polyps, nodes, etc. Not something to mess with.

Would you like to have some vocal exercises to help you recover your voice? Get this download... You'll also receive free vocal health information, updates on this blog and my 'Judy's Village' newsletter, and you can unsubscribe at any time:

202 Comments
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Hi Judy. I'm a singer-songwriter and music therapist. Got a bad sinus infection over a month ago & still have that "light hoarseness" you talk about, as well as some vocal fatigue. I'm having the most trouble getting the middle of my voice back -- prior to getting sick I had a good "mix," where there was no break between head and chest. Now it feels like there's a ton of phlegm right where I need to be singing. I warm up with lip trills and a series of warm-ups that help me achieve a more frontal resonance & avoid pressure on the throat, but can't break through. Is the "mix" ordinarily the last thing to come back? Does this make sense? Will it just take time? Any advice? ENT scoped me & said my cords look fine. Just a little swollen. Thanks so much.

Hi Anon... thanks for writing. One thing that concerns me is that your ENT says your cords are swollen... to me that is not a good sign you are practicing correctly. Do take care not to "push through" trying to mend your temporary vocal break.

And yes, often I find the middle voice to be the last to come back. Your instrument needs to find it's coordination again, but also the phlegm will interfere until it passes on through.

It does take time; but you can try to speed things up by drinking and eating that which clears the phlegm and gets rid of the cord inflammation (swelling). Don't try to get your full volume back too soon; rest your voice if you feel strain.

If you wish, you can sign up for my newsletter on my homepage and get a free 5 page report on Vocal Health that could give you some more ideas. Good luck; please let me know how you do!

Jane... sorry I didn't see your previous question about using prednisone. You are right to only use it for absolute vocal emergencies. However, I would try to cancel anything I possibly could instead of using it. And after you use it for a gig you feel you HAVE to do, count on some vocal rest and some detox diet to get rid of the drug and whatever caused your laryngitis in the first place. Hope this helps.. and that you really are healed by now.

Hi Judy, I lost my voice about a month ago and then it came back stronger than ever. However, this past weekend I developed either the flu or a cold with a sore throat and this is impairing my singing. I need to sing by this Sunday, the 7th. Will my voice be healed in 5 days from now? I think the virus is almost gone because my throat doesn't hurt that bad anymore. Thank you!

Tom... So sorry to hear you've had vocal trouble. Of course I can't diagnose or give a definitive prognosis, but I can tell you a couple of things that might make a difference: whether or not the viral infection is in your larynx or just the lining of your throat; whether you warm up carefully or too little or vocalize too hard too soon. If you think your infection is gone, you could try some light vocal exercises and see if your voice starts to respond. Steam could be very helpful; the neti pot, there also are throat soothers you could try like lemon/ceyenne/water mix or treatments such as from http://www.superiorvocalhealth.com . My chiropractor has several therapies he uses to get the voice back. Also look at getting my 5 page report on 'vocal health' by signing up for my newsletter from my webpage. Good luck... let me know how you do!

Birdbrain... I wish you success on your upcoming gig... hope something I have in here is of help! You might consider subscribing to my newsletter at www.judyrodman.com and getting a free 5 pg report on vocal health. Could be some useful things in there for you.

Thank you for this post. I am not a singer but I have viral laryngitis Unfortunately, I was in the process of moving while the laryngitis was coming on and so I continued to push it and whisper (unware how bad it was for my vocal chords.) So far I've had four days of 100% vocal rest and am still awaiting the return of my voice. My question for you and any others who have read this post would be: how long did it take you to regain your use of your voice? Once it returns, are there tips a non-singer might benefit from to ease back into speaking? Thanks!

Hi Rose...As to when you might get your voice back after pushing a voice that has laryngitis: Before I knew the tips in this article, it would take me about three weeks; which for a professional singer, disastrous for my business. Now I know that, once the infection is truly gone, I can use careful vocal exercise to tone up my vocal cords and shorten the 'getting it back' time considerably.

Tips for the speaking voice recovery... Don't push: instead, 'pull' your voice out in bell-like speaking tones, not breathy ones. Limit your speaking time at first... gradually build up your stamina. Keep drinking the water and steaming your throat. See a doctor if hoarseness persists. Let me know how you do!

I got a case of Viral Laryngitis, I am normally a soprano but when humming to vocalize im strugglging to get to c above middle c. I've been steming drinking lots of water (with honey and lemon) I have had a lot of mucus. Just worried that those notes will never come back also when i hum it breaks a bit so ive stopped for now cords are probably still swollen. I have auditions for Uni coming up soon and a producition of Sweeney Todd

Dear Judy, This all seems really really helpful, and I'm hoping you can help me too... Im singing at Carnegie Hall VERY soon and just can't seem to hit the high notes I once could. I'm a second year teacher, and i know that talking over kids is usually a pretty solid reason why a teacher would lose her voice, but I do know how to speak and breathe properly because of my musical training background. I had laryngitis last year, but it wasn't terrible. This year, I've been sick constantly, and I haven't really had a voice since December. Then, about a month ago, I got another real bought of laryngitis, and had zero voice. I was so careful... I didn't even whisper! I sat out of my rehearsals and took a break from all classroom singing. Then last week I went on an antibiotic because I got an awful case of strep throat!! Now though, my voice is back more then it has been in a long time, but when I get into my upper register, my voice cracks, and no matter how much breathe support I have, I can barely croak out a note, and it's not pretty. It feels like the air just isn't vibrating the chords or something... I have absolutely no idea if that's medically accurate, but it leaves me kind of hoarse and with a headache. I'm worried I'll never get my high notes back again, and it's been SO long since I've been able to sing them... HELP! Please!!

Hi Megan... so sorry you're having vocal trouble; I know how bad that makes a good singer feel.

If you can't get into your head voice it generally means your cords are swollen or you actually have some degree of damage (usually quite reversable with correct re-training). If you haven't had your vocal cords 'scoped' since your trouble, I would strongly recommend finding a medical voice clinic and making an appointment to discover what's going on. It could also be something more hidden, like http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-silent-reflux.

It could also be excess mucous causing the problem.

You need to get to the bottom of your frequent illness problem and find out what is compromising your immune system. For this I usually recommend a natural health practitioner.

Then some remedial vocal lessons could be your ticket back to full voice. I wish you the very best... let me know if I can serve you further.

Hi Judy, i'm a student at a Performing Arts school & I developed nodules last summer. over the course of the year my voice has very much improved & i was able to sing as high as soprano 1 notes. This summer i lost my voice & wanted to know what to do when losing my voice that'll prevent me from developing nodules again. Please & thanks.

Thanks so much for your informative post about getting your voice back after laryngitis. I have had a horrible bug with laryngitis for the last 5 weeks. My doctor is aware of it and said it can sometimes last for 6 weeks, but will look at ENT refferal if not. On the positive side I think it is slowly starting to come back today however, when I gently try and sing a few notes it breaks abit (And also when talking - still sounds abit croaky). I guess this is normal after several weeks of laryngitis!? I think I just need to be patient - just scary when you love singing and you can't! I will try all the tips you mentioned. Thanks again. Becky

Thank you so much, Judy, for your kind comments back to us. I, too, have been hit by viral laryngitis. I direct movies and have to be on location in two days, and have been panicking that my voice won't follow me there. Imagine directing actors and crew with no voice! Terrified!

I went to the hospital tonight and was prescribed prednisone pills, which I just took as directed. I hope my voice returns as soon as the doc said it would - she claims it should be back tomorrow! If this turns out to be true, I'll be back here shortly to tell everyone the good news!

Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us proper vocal cord care here on your blog, and for easing our fears (at least mine) about laryngitis! How scary and horrible this is!

Hi Heather... so happy to meet you! Hope your voice is better today. While you are directing your actors and crew, I would caution you to be careful not to push your speaking voice! Hopefully you have a mic or megaphone! Best to talk in a clear, bell-like tone with no vocal fry. Re-injuring already compromised, healing vocal cords can greatly increase your vocal recovery time.

Please do report in on your progress... and thanks so much for the encouragement to me about this blog. Take care!

So cool to hear you are getting your voice back, Becky! As to being a bit nervous, that's a good thing if it keeps you from pushing your voice or working it too long too fast. It's a bad thing if you start the counterproductive, tension building 'guarding' that I refer to in this article.If you need help, take a couple of vocal lessons with someone you trust. Keep us updated on your progress!

Hi Judy. I developed a cough back at the end of August and had an important gig which I sang through, I didn't want to let anyone down. After the gig I was sore and gave singing a rest, but the cough persisted, it was stopping me sleep. In the U.K our personal doctors don't work weekends but I had to see someone quick so saw an emergency Dr, who insisted I just had a cough and phlegm build up which would break down naturally. Well this didn't happen. I eventually saw my own Dr, she believed the phlegm was producing so much because of an infection down the throat, i've had glandular fever in my time and couldn't feel any pain in my throat but knew myself something was wrong. So by attacking the infection the phlegm build up would stop, my Dr put me on antibiotics....The problem I find myself in is that I know I can hit the high notes (I am a rock singer btw) but after about 5-10mins it breaks down and becomes raspy, but give it a minute rest I can belt it out again, then a few minutes later it breaks again. I have lost the consistency I had before, the power, the longevity, I am used to singing for 2hrs+ at gigs and was doing it regularly without trouble...The antibiotics worked, after a week rest and finished subscription, I went back to practice, it worked fine, a little out of practice but better than it had been for weeks. The cough is gone but I keep getting this phlegm build up when I sing, which really doesn't help. I thought I was past this but my voice just isn't what it used to be. I am convinced it's something to do with the build up of rubbish in my throat because as I clear it I am ok again, at least until phlegm builds up again. FYI I play a lot of team sport and worried that shouting during this hasn't helped, also exercising in sport causes this excess phlegm which makes me cough it up - have I pulled something that I just haven't given enough time to heal or do I have an infection that hasn't been properly dealt with? Just to be clear my throat doesn't hurt. My Dr has also suggested an inhaler if the problem isn't rectified. Thanks for any advise.

Hi Rory…Thank you for your message. First of all, you must understand I am not a doctor, and can only guess at what you are dealing with. I do know it’s frustrating not to be able to get your full voice back, but sometimes it really does take time. My thoughts for you:

1. Get another doc appointment to get a medical opinion as to whether the infection has completely cleared up. You really need to do this. If your antibiotics didn’t deal with it, you could be dealing with a growing and stronger infection.2. Lots of times excessive phlegm has allergic causes. You may need to do some detective work and figure out if and what you are allergic to. Then avoid it!! You may be one of those people who do well with the Neti Pot nasal wash. If your outdoor sports activity gets you in touch with your allergens, you'll have to deal with that. May be some decisions you need to make about what's important here.3. Make sure you are hydrated enough. More water may thin out your mucous for best workings of your vocal cords. They do need a mucous covering, but as you know, if it’s too thick it interferes with their vibration. Diluted pineapple juice really may help you as well.4. Whatever you do, don’t strain your cords. Warm them up gently and with perfect form when you do your vocalizes. I recommend NOT pushing your voice. Even in rock; Jamie Vendera (a rock coach) suggests something he calls the ‘inhalation sensation’ when you sing your most powerful notes. I call it pulling your voice instead of pushing.

Good luck, be patient in your recovery, and let me know if you’d like a lesson by Skype.Judy

HI, I just found your site and I'm really worried! I have a major audition tomorrow that I definitely can't back out of. Today and yesterday I stayed home and have barely talked. All of yesterday and the day before I could only talk in a quiet low raspy voice. Today I have been off and on; there are moments where I can talk a little and moments where it's as bad as before. Sorry for the essay but I just wanted to know what I could do to be able to sing for tomorrow. After that I will be able to get a nice long rest. Thank you so much!

I keep loosing my voice, for the last 5 yrs..around this time of the year. I currently have had no voice..no sound, nothing for the last 3 weeks..acid reflux,allegeies, and sinus problems. WHEN will I ever get my voice back? Just finishing up with med's from doc. ..He said it is Laryngitis...JUST want to talk!...I miss talking to my 9 year old daughter and husband..this time its really messing with our minds..HELP!

Listen, just do as your doc suggests, especially the voice rest. I always also recommend trying to get at the core of your seasonal issues. I'd research everything; usually an integrative approach works best with both mainstream medical docs and alternative health practitioners. The bottom line is, find out the cause of the mucous and inflammation this season seems to cause you.

And don't rush your healing. You'll lose your voice longer if you try to get it back when it's still inflamed. Breathe. Whew!

Thank you! I will try the diluted pineapple juice. I just went to the DR & got the prednisone so hoping that helps for tomorrow. Early this morning i started an herbal product called Singer's Saving Grace Throat Spray & after 2 uses i already have less tightness & the hoarseness is gone! Recommending this to any singer... get this throat spray, its the real deal! I will definitely do all the things you recommended along with my herbal products & pray that will get me through! Ill report back hopefully with good news : )

Judy, I went to the E.R. yesterday morning after five days of thinking a "sore throat" would go away. The doctor prescribed antibiotics for ten days. My tonsils are swollen and said it was laryngitis. It hurts to talk and to swallow anything. I can't due to the pain I get from swallowing saliva as I attempt to sleep. I'm a singer and illness' like this worry me. Anything to alleviate the pain of swallowing? I haven't been able to eat or sleep well in the past five days and counting. I think what caused my case of laryngitis was having screamed horribly and woke up the next day with my throat sore. Was already experiencing feeling the need to clear my throat also. Help please. :)

Dear Victoria; sounds like you are having a singer's nightmare. Glad you went to the doc and got some antibiotics. Yes, screaming can make a raw throat susceptible to pathogens floating by looking for an embed opportunity.

I am not a doctor, please note that your docs advice is what you need to heed, but I'd confidently suggest a couple of things:

Do go on voice rest. Don't sing, don't even talk if you can help it, til your infection has gone.

For pain, try a gargle of 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar in a small glass of water. Warm or room temp is fine.

Try using a neti pot before bed and getting up in the morning. You may find that it dilutes the irritating secretions going down the back of your throat and eases those tissues.

My very best wishes for your speedy recovery, and until then, be wise and rest your voice til it's time to start working it back into shape, and you should be fine.

I lost my voice about 4 weeks ago due to laryngitis for the first time ever! It was so horrible! But since it was during Christmas, I probably talked a bit more than I should have and drank a little too much Martinelli's instead of water :) Now it's been about 4 weeks and my speaking voice is normal, but I'm still having some problems singing in my higher range. It doesn't seem to be coming back as strong as before. Now of course I'm worried. Is this normal or should I seek out an ENT? I've never lost my voice before (I'm 27) so this whole ordeal is something new. I also teach and lead music for my church so I'm wondering if I should just take a few days and rest my voice? Thanks so much! Great blog and great advice for someone who is new to this experience!

Greiana.. glad most of your voice is back! Yes, when you experience some major inflammation in the vocal cords it can feel like forever getting it back in shape. That's why I wrote this post.

Your inability to sing high is indeed a symptom that swelling is still there, however it is probably just from a lack of toning up. Imagine an arm muscle that stopped working out for a while. That muscle is flabby and can't do as much as it could. You carefully work it out again and as the muscle tone comes back, so does the ability. Same with your vocal cords.

If however you begin easy vocal exercises, done with correct form, and your voice experiences strain or pain, stop and consider getting 'scoped' - best done by a specialized ENT at a voice clinic.

Note that it's common to experience the 'helium effect' that I've mentioned in this post, but NOT pain - and your voice should feel better and stronger the next day. If not, you either exercised wrong or too strenuously, or your cords are still infected.

Hi; tThanks for signing up for this blog. To get the 5 page report, you sign up for my newsletter. If you like, just give me your email and I’ll do it for you, and when you click the link in your confirmation email you’ll get the report automatically.

Hi, Judy! I have a question about the laryngitis I've been going through. I caught the flu at the beginning of February that got pretty close to being pneumonia. Luckily, I went to a doctor before it got that bad, but about a week later I lose my voice. It got so bad that I started sounding like Wolf Man Jack or an old blues singer. This amused my friends and I greatly, and I spoke in that voice a lot more than was prudent. Now it's about two weeks later, and although my normal speaking voice is back, I still haven't gotten back my higher singing ranges or my falsetto. I'm concerned I may have done permanent damage to my throat, so my question is how long does it take for a voice to completely come back from a really bad case? If it doesn't come back by the end of the week, I'm seriously considering going back to see my doctor.

If you can choose not to sing at all... or even speak much... in other words if you can go on voice rest for a week that would be great. Then carefully apply what I've suggested in this post. It may very well take 2 or 3 weeks to get your voice back fully. But if by a week it's not better, I would indeed go to a doc, and if possible, a voice clinic.

One of the reddest flags pointing to vocal strain or damage that I know of is that of is not being able to make your head voice work. That means your vocal folds (cords) are swollen. If you are careful, and there is no active infection or fully formed nodes or polyps, you can often just gently work your voice out and reduce the swelling. Care is key. Let me know how it goes for you!

Thanks for the advice! It's been about a month now since I lost my voice, and my regular speaking voice has come back fully. There are still certain gaps in my range that I'm missing, and I can't do my falsetto at all, but they seem to be trying to come back, if only very slowly. I spoke to one of my theater professors, and he said he once lost his voice and it took almost 8 months for it to come back all the way! I hope it doesn't take that long, as I really love to sing and do funny voices. It sounds silly, but it makes life more fun. I did go see my doctor, and he gave me some pills for allergies (I had a lot of mucous buildup, though I don't think that was the problem). However, I recently went to see him due to a somewhat serious allergic reaction I was having to some skin-care product I was using, and he gave me some steroids that seem to be helping both the reaction and my voice, so fingers crossed I'll be back to normal soon!

Hi Judy, I am a professional singer and have the biggest audition of my life on Mar. 28th. Today is the 16th. I developed laryngitis on Fri. Mar. 8th stemming from an upper respiratory infection. My speaking voice returned on Tues and Wed I carefully warmed up and did another big audition I had. Today is the first I have sung since. I feel a bit like I'm singing through a sock. Could this just still be the recouperating from the laryngitis?? I sang beautifully on Wed. I can sing scales up and down using my full range with no dysphonia, but when I'm trying to sing the actual music I feel this singing through a sock feeling. My cords feel a little fatigued after just singing 3 songs. Thoughts?? I'm using Roxalia, Manuka Honey, Throat Coat, lots of water and humidity. I'm starting to worry. Please let me know yours thoughts. Thanks so much!!!

Hi Anonymous. OK here's the thing... if you're getting vocal fatigue after singing 3 songs something is wrong. Lots of times when we experience the fear that accompanies laryngitis for a singer, we assume unknowingly a guarded stance, which tightens the throat and compromises breath control and often moves articulation too far towards the jaw. Things just don't work right. This guarding behavior can be quite subtle. A tightening of the upper cheekbones (squinting), shoulders, tongue, neck, ribcage, spine. I experienced this first hand many years ago and it took a professional coach to rid me of it.

If you can, touch base with your vocal coach to get to the core of the problems you're having. (If you'd like to do a lesson with me, contact me at judy@judyrodman.com) Or, if you financially can't swing even one lesson, try and check yourself for stiff, tight or otherwise guarded behavior when you sing. Pull, don't push your voice, get your power coming from the pelvic floor instead of your ribcage. Keep up with the hydration and let me know what you find helpful and how you fare!

Hi Judy, I have always loved singing and for the last 30 years have mainly done choral, classical singing as well as playing the sax and clarinet. I am now attempting to sing more modern/pop music with a friend. I have been finding the transition hard but was doing well up until a few weeks ago. Suddenly I started to sound more "choral" again and my throat was painful after rehearsals despite being careful. I also found I was clearing my throat more. I saw my Gp a few days ago after a really bad rehearsal where my ears also felt strange. He examined my throat and ears and diagnosed viral laryngitis, telling me to stop singing and playing sax/clarinet. I asked for how long and he just said till I feel better and gave me an inhaler and ibuprofen to bring the swelling down. I dont have a sore throat or hoarse voice but do feel completely wiped out. How am I supposed to work out when to try singing again without the "classic" laryngitis symptoms?

Hi... well, what you are describing is a classic need for a vocal coach:) Really; you've got a loaded situation here because you're probably 'guarding' to keep from hurting your throat.

DO NOT try to do vocal exercise, sing or even talk much when you are feeling wiped out. You just will NOT be able to control your air pressure and you will end up inevitably over-blowing your vocal cords. Have patience; wait til you feel your physical stamina is back. It's hard enough to do what you already know how to do, much less try to learn something new when your stamina is sub par.

When you do start back, re-read this blogpost and you may find some help to keep you safe as you build your voice back. And do consider getting a vocal coach to help you change your style from classical to contemporary. There are lots of issues that need navigation there. Good luck!

Hello again, I was the guy who was sick with the flu and lost his voice. My falsetto is coming back now in bits and pieces. I can hit some of my higher notes, but my low notes still cut out, and overall it's just not as strong or consistent as it used to be. I've described it as a "goose going through puberty." I was wondering if I should try to exercise my falsetto or let it rest, and if this seems normal for a recovery. I'm very pleased it's coming back, but I'm still a little worried that it may never come back all the way. And unfortunately, I lost my job recently so a trip to an ENT doctor is a luxury I can't afford at the moment.

Hi I am a cantor (music songleader for my church) and I have to cantor this weekend. I got sick with sinus infection about one month ago and now I can only sing in my very low range.I am a Soprano one and I have none of those notes. I have been struggling with the loss of my voice for about one month now. I am getting so worried about it as I enjoy my ministry and have been singing my entire life. Do you think that this could be laryngitis or could this be more serious? I really cant afford to go to a bunch of specialists to figure out what the problem is. Is there any natural remedies I can use to get my voice back? I can sing but it is very breathy and my high range of my voice cuts in and out constantly. When I speak I am a little hoarse but I talk just fine. I know that there is no quick solution but can you suggest somethings that I can do to aid my voice coming back. thank you so much!

Dear Anonymous... very sorry you're having vocal trouble. I know how it feels to have singing be a huge part of my life and lose my voice for a long time. But I did get it back, and I'm sure you can, too.

I am not a doctor, and here's the thing... any chronic, longstanding laryngitis should really be evaluated by not a bunch of specialists but one good ENT doc to rule out cancer. If I were you, I would do that.

Breathiness and lack of upper register as well as some speaking hoarseness does indeed indicate swelling of your cords, and possibly nodules or polyps. This can be dealt with, usually without surgery, with voice rest and then vocal rehabilitation using vocal exercise as I described in this post... performed with good form only!

So... my advice is to get assessed by a doc (a voice specialist if you can). You can start your voice rest today... get a pad and writing tool and tell everyone you are on voice rest unless an emergency calls for you to speak. Then your doc should advise you from there. Whatever you do, don't let this go on much longer without a medical assessment.

thank you so much for your tips, you made me feel much better with your post. I'm a singer and I have recently worked really hard (4 hours a day) as I'm aiming to finish an album soon. What I should not have done is singing notes which are too high for my range and also singing too much. I felt that I was stressing my throat and vocal folds but I didn't imagine that i would have suddenly had laryngitis. My voice got worse and worse till last Monday, I could not talk anymore otherwise I felt a really big pain in my throat. Two days after I went to an ENT and he said I have laryngitis and I need to rest my voice and take antibiotics for 5 days. He didn't check my vocal folds I think, so I will definitely go and check them next week with another more specialized ENT. Today is my second day of antibiotics and 4th day with laryngitis, but I still feel that my vocal folds/throat are swollen, although definitely less than before, but i just can't even talk because it still feels painful. I'm really scared as singing is absolutely everything for me and sometimes I feel depressed and useless as I can't work on my project or even sing for fun a song that i like. Sometimes I'm scared that I will not be able to sing anymore, but I know it's all in my mind and I just need to be patient. I'm also drinking lot of tea, doing inhalation with boiling water and try to drink as much as possible. I did read the comments and I know you have already said something about it, but how long would you say i must wait before even my natural voice comes back and then start to sing again as I have always done? I have never had laryngitis and I'm really scared so I'm aiming to get a singing teacher/vocal coach as soon as possible to help me keep doing the right exercises. I thank you in advance for your help and your precious advice.

Hi Judi, I feel that every time I try to sing my throat muscles become tight again and I can't really sing high notes. My ENT said that everything is ok, my vocal folds look good and the only problem is that I should see a vocal coach to make sure that I don't stress my throat muscles too much when singing.I wonder how long the tension in the throat muscles lasts for and if it will disappear practicing? Should I wait more than 2 weeks before starting to sing again?

It sounds like you need to get with a good vocal coach. If your vocal folds are fine and you correct your tension-causing vocal technique, tension in your throat muscles can disappear instantly, at least for the time you're singing the new way. Retraining involves developing the muscle memory of the new technique. It's the old habits that would create tension again.

As for how long you should wait... I'd say get some re-training in before you sing at all. Even one hour with a good coach should illuminate the source of your tension. If you can't afford to do that, look into some good training materials you can purchase online or keep reading blogs like this one. Good luck!

Dear Anonymous... I actually responded to your last comment; I missed reading the prior one where you mentioned how your vocal strain began. But what I said is still applicable to your situation. I feel for you; I deeply understand what it is like for someone who loves to sing to develop chronic tension that sabotages vocal ability. Don't be afraid... it really sounds like you just need to be careful, get some good training and slowly but surely work your voice up again. In my own case, I lost an octave and a half from an endotracheal tube. With professional vocal coaching, It took some time but I got it all back and then some. Take care and thank you for your comments here.

hello judy. i was ill 4 weeks ago lost my voice had the worsed headache i have ever had phlegm stuck to back of my throat that felt like my throat was wearing a coat and sore throat. went doctor he gave me amoxacillian for 5 days. i got better but my throat was croaky still 2 weeks on. i then got drunk on the saaturday smoked ciggs and woke up next day with less of a voice. i then went to football match on the sunday and tried to keep quite untill my team scored last kick of th game and i cudnt contain myself. i woke up monday morning struggling to put a sentncce together. i have had a couple of arguments with misses this week and talk none stop to tennants whose houses i work in, my voice has got worse through out the week and after massive argument last night i can not get a word out. i dont want to sound stupid but if i keep raising my voice will it not get better or shud it got slightly better over the week. very worried due to cancer info all over net am 30 years old and male. thankyu in advance

Hi there Anonymous...Hey man, read your comment back to yourself and you'll surely get several clues as to why you've lost your voice! Actually, I'm sure that's why you told me this amazing story of vocal abuse... you're quite aware of it, haha...

Here's the thing; cancer can begin in a chronically irritated area. You really have to listen to your own wisdom here and stop abusing your vocal cords. Did you know they are only about 3/4" long? I would imagine they are red, swollen and here's a fun fact... you can develop blood blisters which are the beginnings of vocal nodules from just 20 minutes of screaming.

Also, if you get serious about quitting smoking, I have a great book for you... http://blog.judyrodman.com/2012/10/singers-and-speakers-want-to-quit.html

In the mean time, please take care and go on at least a bit of voice rest. Take deep breaths, do more listening than speaking and let me know how you fare!

thankyou judy. my name is ste i couldnt seem to get a post unless i clicked annomonous. i never experienced aanything so frustrating as this and god its so hard to not talk. i no shouting is not maaking it the situation any better but i thought my voice would of slightly came back after a week speaaking or not. i am not going to speak all weekend and see if things get a little better. again thank you for your time very much appreciated

Hi,Well. Im am Playing the Lead In Dreamgirls. We have our first audience thursday night. My voice is strained from rehearsal, then I got food poisoning and was sick all night. Woke up and my singing voice and range was gone. It has slowly been coming back day by day, but I need to sing full out as of thursday night. The material im singing is all High Belt. Im thinking about Prednisone is get me through till my day off monday, Thoughts? I dont have an understudy and cant cancel. Thanks.

Oh girl I am so sorry for your vocal trouble. Also, I've been on the road this week so am late getting back to you. You do indeed need to go to a doctor. It's possible that steroids may be your solution, hopefully you are talking to a doc as we speak.

The important thing is to learn how NOT to strain your voice in rehearsal! You need to back off your pressure big time, and use the power of resonation instead of pressure belt. You can pull (instead of push) so strongly that even metal rock singers can sing without strain, whether in rehearsal or performance.

I'm heading out right now, in fact, to attend an artist's rehearsal to make sure he doesn't strain his voice for his show tomorrow. Please let me know how you do.

Be sure and ask your doc about the after-effects of the steroid if indeed you go that route for your show tonight. The thing is, you need some serious voice rest afterwards, and you need to be as careful as you can not to abuse your cords under the influence of the meds. Water, water, water... take pineapple juice with you (a can of Dole's is fine) and mix it with water to drink whenever you get a moment in performance.

Hi, Judy!I went through some kind of a laryngitis two weeks ago. Unfortunately, I self-diagnosed myself, because I wasn't able to visit a doctor. I think I'm right, though, because I had something which started as a common "sore throat" - pains when swallowing, and then it developed into 'almost losing my voice' situation. I had two presentations to make, and it seemed I was okay, but when I was done, the following days my voice was very hoarse and it was evident this was not the common cold or flu.Anyways, now I have restored my speaking voice, but I'm shying away from singing too much. Only songs in my total comfort zone. However, I was listening to Karma Hotel, the Spooks' song :) today, and I wanted to sing. It's pretty comfortable for me, but... at the beginning, there are some high parts in soft head voice (Welcome... to the... karma.. aaa aa). And I wasn't able to sing them at all! There was only breath coming out! And I very well know this is in my usual range! I became very scared; it;s as if something prevents me from singing, like my range just stops there. I thought there's been enough time since my infection cleared out...Do you think it might need even more time?Other than that, my middle and lower ranges are fine.

I am not a doctor, but I know that your symptoms of breathy and missing higher range is cause to check for nodules. Chronic hoarseness also needs to be investigated to rule out throat cancer.

I would urge you to get checked out by an ENT doctor. You can put yourself on voice rest (not making vocal sounds; not even speaking unless absolutely necessary, and then in clear, unbreathy bell-like tones, - no whispering at all) for a week or two and see if your voice improves. But if it doesn't, you really need to see a doctor.

Also, when you begin to use your voice normally, consider getting some vocal training to help you get pressure off your vocal cords. My best wishes for your voice's speedy return!

I sing in a local choir for years and traching full time public speaking classes at a community college. My voice has always been fine, though somewhat thin ( not a lead) ..but I have always had a powerful speaking voice (low) with tremendous projection. Woke up with sore throat 2.5 weeks ago which progressed into voice and itchy dry cough. Had to work throughout, so some strain week one, then tried use microphone last week. Now, the virus seems clear, but sore throat persists, as does itchy dry cough. My voice tones are back....but when I use my voice it hurts, aches, and I can not project..or if I try I will pay for it. My voice or voice muscles seem sore, and not strong...itchy, achy, sensitive to air..talking..etc. I had multiple cultures during the bug, and all negative. I'm scared to death Inhave some kind of neurogenic damage the branch of the vagus nerve that is in the throat, and that I now have residual chronic pain from the virus. I have not taken any antibiotics or steriods. How long can this kind of voice weakness, itchy throat, vocal use pain last after a bad throat virus? Thank you!

I am in the same boat as "Anonymous" above. My problem also seems to be viral, or even an allergic reaction (to what? I don't know, and have never had any allergies.) After a few days I went back to work (nursing) and forced myself to talk in report, etc. I didn't know whispering was bad, I just knew I was extremely tired from trying to talk. So now it is a full four weeks, and my voice is just starting to come back...no high register, though. I have an antibiotic from the doctor if I get worse, but I feel it is just a nasty virus. I am taking an antihistamine and flonase, and lots of fluids. Thanks for this great site, Judy. I only sing in the car, but you are the true laryngitis expert.

Dear Anonymous ... rather than a rare issue of vagus nerve damage (which is a new one on me) I would have a sneaking suspicion your voice weakness and pain has to do with your itchy throat-dry cough. My old vocal coach Gerald Arthur used to advise me not even to clear my throat unless I just drowning and then to clear it very carefully. As to how long your vocal problems can last? Definitely a bit longer than your cough. My advice is to get to the bottom of what's causing THAT. Could be some chronic drainage from your sinuses, I don't know. Remember I am not a doctor; I can just point you in some directions to look:) My very best wishes to you.

Very kind of you to say I'm an expert in laryngitis... but then if I was truly the expert I would nip it in the bud for everyone:) This singer's plague is tricky, and individual as to causes and cures. As to a possible allergic reaction... you and I can develop allergies we've never had, you know. Lovely fact:< In your case, a telling clue is that talking tires you. My suggestions 1. no whispering! Stop doing any breathy production of your voice. 2. No pushing! Use a little air as possible to make vocal sound.

A good practice is to do tongue tanglers such as the ones you find in this post about the tongue http://blog.judyrodman.com/2011/05/tongue-tips-for-singing-and-speaking.html . Do these tongue tanglers with your hand in front of your mouth; pretend your hand is a glass pane and try not to leave a breath mark on it.

Here is a video I made with some really vital tips on saving your speaking voice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkdJqnKGT4I Please let me know what you find helpful as you try these things. As to how long laryngitis can last... when I didn't know what I know and pushed my voice through some sessions with active laryngitis, I sabotoged my singing for three and four weeks at a time. Maybe that's where some of my expert status comes from... in what NOT to do!

My very best wishes for your speedy recovery. Please report back about what helps!

Dear Judy, I tried the tongue tanglers last night, and it is crazy how something so simple can help, but it has! Took allegra and my steroid nasal spray, and today picked up "throat coat" tea at Food Lion. It is four weeks today since I lost my voice, and today I have a voice, although it is still tending to be two timbres, unless I make an effort to have it be clear, riding on the breath, if that makes sense. I hate taking medications, but I know that this was caused by a viral infection and forced coughing to try to clear my throat. Never again! I had no idea that the vocal chords could be damaged by a forceful cough. I will continue following the advice you have given and let you know when I feel 100% back in voice. Thank you!

Here are my suggestions for you... 1. Still speak as sparingly as possible. Oh my, I can imagine the confusion of your little one!2. Learn how to use as little air pressure possible when you do speak.3. Speak without pushing (low volume) but actually speak in a higher register with bell-like, NON-BREATHY tones. Play with making silly slurring sounds in your head voice. This will be fun for your 4 year old!4. Check with a doc if it persists, to rule out any damage.5. Do try the things I describe in this post.

I got bronchitis 3 weeks ago and my voice hasn't been the same since. I'm still coughing every morning and night, although the infection seems to mostly be gone, and my voice feels like its betraying me. Where once I had a bright, loud, beautiful baritenor, and a loud and clear falsetto . . . I have hardly any qualities of a good singer anymore. I sound more like someone who sings along to his faveorite songs, than someone who actually has their own voice. I'm very upset about the whole thing.

I plan on seeing a doctor to look at my throat, and getting some vocal lessons to see if I cant get my voice back. I never thought I'd be this sad, but it's truly awful. My voice was part of my identity and I feel like I've lost a part of myself. My G4, A4, and B4 have no magic in them, and my headvoice sounds weak and tired.

Dear anonymous...it's the coughing! I truly believe that when you quit coughing completely (maybe a few days AFTER you no longer cough) you will notice that your voice starts coming along. Coughing is what does my voice in. Do go to the doc, and do get some lessons. Good plan... but don't be afraid. Take care of the core issued (bronchitis, coughing) and trust the process of your vocal recovery! I know... I got my voice back and then some, after losing 1 & 1/2 octaves from endotracheal tube damage. That's worse than any cough could do. Be patient, and be happy!

Judy thank you for your reply! I will try to be more positive. It's so distressing to lose your voice. I've never lost it for 3 weeks before. I've lost 3 notes and my false. I couldn't imagine losing 1.5 octaves ... I'm glad you are recovered. Again thank you for your reply.

Dear Judy, well, I am still not at full voice and it is three months since my viral bronchitis. I did go to Duke Voice Care Center and was scoped - and have two small bumps on the chords -right across from each other. The scope was not difficult at all (much easier than I imagined!) and I have quit caffeine, increased water and am resting my voice more. I am going to go for voice therapy, as well. Judy, why does it take so long to get my voice back? Will I get back MY voice? I sound like Keith Richards, and I cannot sing any of my beloved Joni Mitchell songs. I never realized how depressing it must be for professionals to lose their voices. I now see how many "un-useful" words I have said. I will now appreciate the voice I took so much for granted before this all happened. I am encouraged to hear that you got your voice back in spite of ETT damage. Every morning when I wake up, I hope my voice is magically back, but it isn't. It is tiring to talk. I appreciate all of your work on Vocal Chords, Judy. Just wanted to update you. Blessings, dk.

Dear dk..Congratulations! You found out the cause of your 'Keith Richards' sound! That's terrific, now it's not a mystery. Truly, this is good news - be encouraged. And here's the thing, when you have actual organic vocal damage (like I did as well) it takes more time to heal. But you should indeed get YOUR voice back... and possibly be able to sing better than you ever have. Do indeed keep doing what the docs suggest. All the things you mentioned... hydrate, voice rest, careful vocal exercise with correct vocal technique... excellent healing advice.

I was told I probably had permanent scar tissue on my vocal cords. Two years later I was singing recording sessions again, two years after that I signed a record deal and had a #1 record. If you take good care now, your voice should come back to you, and you'll be better off for this experience. I'd love to hear from you again in a month or two to see how you're doing!

Hi, I'm a 16 year old singer and I recently lost my voice cheering at a football game and i over sang the next day. Now my voice is back and i can speak for the most part and sing in my lower range but everytime I try to sing in my higher range, all that comes out is air. Do i have permanent vocal damage? is it too soon to tell? it's only been about 3 days since i got my voice back. What do i do to sing those high notes again?

Dear Anonymous... go to the doctor and get checked out if your voice doesn't come back soon. Other than that, there are lots of tips in this article and these comments. Good luck with your voice, and be careful. It only takes 20 minutes of screaming to develop blood blisters on your vocal cords. These go away with rest, but if you aren't careful, they can go on and create callous-like vocal nodes. Word to the wise.

Hi Judy, I'm 14 and have been out of school the entire week. I went to the doctor on Monday with what I thought was a bad sinus infection and they gave me some antibiotics, but after not getting any better I decided to go back yesterday and they told me I have some sort of croup/laryngitis thing going on. I can talk but I'm really hoarse and as far as singing goes my voice is pretty much gone. They gave me Prednisone but I'm still insanely worried. I'm supposed to be singing this Saturday and I have another event on the 28th. I just don't really know what to do besides drink fluids and try not to talk. Do you have any advice?

So sorry you're having this trouble. The issue is of course the croupy coughing. That is so stressful for your vocal cords, and you should do everything you can to ease that cough. Try the pineapple juice when you try and sing.

It may be the better part of wisdom to cancel your performance this Saturday. When you sing on a bit of laryngitis, you may be able to get through that performance but it will set your complete vocal cord healing back, sometimes be weeks or a couple of months. Yes, silence is golden for you. Heed all the stuff in this post. Please comment back as your healing progresses and tell us how you are. And don't worry about cancelling a gig. Check your pulse, you are human, and even major artist humans have to cancel due to illness or laryngitis!

Hi judyI have never written yo ne 1 before...I had this throat viral thing a 2 weeks bfre whr I lost my voice...I have a high barritone voice ...very heavy...bt I took antibiotics a week later I gof my voice back bt with the helium effect...m starting my career bg this helium effct is like very frequent with me...I got scipe dne doc is ts normal....ts like hell without my voice I sing prac 24 hrs...I usd to have a strong voice...cnt wait to recover if u can help me speed up and tell me preventive measures....

Hi Ujjawal... it sounds like you need some vocal re-training. You really need to find a vocal coach who can help you change the habits that keep straining and tiring your voice. Changing bad vocal technique into good is the only way to prevent vocal strain and to allow vocal irritation to heal. You may need to go on voice rest for a few days before you can even start any vocal exercises. The bottom line is that your voice should not hurt when you sound it. Get some lessons, either find a vocal coach locally or do lessons via Skype, to get to the cause(s) of your individual vocal dysfunction. I wish you speedy recovery!

I'm looking for some advise to know if what I'm going through could possibly be vocal damage:I was trying to cover this Kelly Clarkson song, lost track of time and ended up practicing the hardest chorus for over 12 hours, pretty much non-stop. I was so focused on the task that I didn't even have water in between. When I finally noticed the time, vague warnings about nodules/polyps came to mind, so I stopped immediately. Tried to sing a soft song the next day and felt slight irritation, so decided to rest my folds. Other than trying a few sentences intermittently to see how my vocal folds are doing, I was mostly silent for a little over two weeks. Finally spoke a fair bit in the third week, resumed back to vocal rest because mt voice sounded a little strange. During this time, I read that too much vocal rest could lead to atrophy so been speaking a little since then but still find that my throat feels abrasive --no pain-- on the very first word out of my mouth. I seem to be able to speak for some time in my middle and high-ish range, but speaking in lower ranges seems to tire my throat even more quickly. Very worried now :S Appreciate any advise you might have for me. Thank you!

Jenny dear you really abused your voice. It doesn't take but about 20 minutes of screaming to produced blood blisters (the first signs of nodules) on the surfaces of your vocal cords. These can go away pretty quickly with vocal rest if you don't continue the abuse. However with 12 hours of singing a Clarkson chorus with not much water, I would highly recommend you get your throat scoped and examined by an ENT - who specializes in voices if possible. In the mean time, use your voice as little as possible, and don't whisper or make any breathy sounds. Don't worry about vocal cord atrophy... you can, when you know your vocal cords are well enough, work your vocal stamina back up gradually to where you were or even better.

When you do start back, be sure and have water available; try sipping the diluted pineapple juice at your practice to keep your throat tissues soothed and hydrated.

You obviously love to sing! Just take care of your instrument... work it smart, not hard. You should NEVER feel vocal strain when you are singing and speaking with good form. Let us know how it goes!

Hi Judy,It all started 3 months ago. I had been pushing myself too hard, practicing songs that were too high or that hurt my throat to sing. Practicing everyday, at home, in the car and seemingly all the time in the hopes that someone from church would ask me to sing a solo. You see many years ago I use to sing solo's in the choir, at various churches, in weddings etc. but I lost confidence in myself when I would hear others that I thought sounded better than myself to the point I gave up and quit singing for a long period of time. Anyway, I joined the worship team at church a couple of years ago and my enthusiasm came back in hopes of getting a solo at church. (so I have been pushing myself hard for a couple of years now...which seems to have caught up with me) I noticed my throat would hurt when I would sing but I ignored the pain. I really had no idea the damage I was doing to myself. Lesson learned! and now I have been trying desperately for 3 months to get my voice back. Of course right after I first started having complications with my voice, someone FINALLY asked me to sing a solo...I could not contain my excitement that someone has finally asked me to sing. I could not bring myself to tell them "no" I am having voice trouble for fear that no one would ever ask me again. I told myself that I would rest my voice and by Wednesday when I had to sing my voice would be back, well my voice never came back and I ended up singing anyway, which was a mistake because I sounded horrible because my voice was breaking up a lot. I went to 2 ENT's who scoped me and told me that my vocal chords looked a little red and irritated and maybe they said swollen (I can't remember) but they did not mention anything about polyps or nodules or anything like that. In the meantime, I really starting trying to rest my voice as much as possible and would only sing at church on Wednesday's and Sunday's. It took 3 months but my voice finally seemingly started to bounce back a little bit, I could hit some high notes again and though it was still a strain on my voice it wasn't as bad as it was. However, I think the therapist gave me bad advise which was to start singing again everyday and to do vocal exercises. Last Sunday I started having noticeable problems again and my voice seemed seemingly gone and I could not hit the high notes at all again. I was back just like I was before. I am having to clear my throat a lot and I seemingly have lost control over my voice to get it to do what I want it to. Yes, you guessed it, prior to this someone had just asked me to sing a solo again and right after I committed to them to sing my voice completely breaks down again. So now what to do? I am scheduled to sing this Wednesday and I am scared if I cancel on them they or no one else will ever ask me to sing again. I have myself on complete voice rest until Wednesday. Should I call and ask my doctor if he would call me in some prednisone? as I noticed this seems to be what other people are doing. What would be your suggestion? thanks Darlene

Dear Darlene... oh my gosh what pain and fear (not to mention doctors' bills and medication) you could avoid with some vocal training. It sounds like whenever you have the opportunity to sing, you push your voice too hard in preparation and you accumulate body tension in general because you're afraid. It won't do you any good to sing or do vocal exercises unless you know how to do them. Quite frankly I'd cancel your performance and get the training you need. In the end, it will cost you less and you will be able to sing!

Hey Judy, thx for posting this. I am only 15, and i am having a very bad throat infection (or whatever its called). And i am getting better. But i tried to sing today and i realized that i lost some of my high notes; its really scary! I am wondering is it possible to lose my high notes forever? Considering that my voice is still developing

Hi Anonymous... If you read this whole post and the comments after it, you'll notice that healing from a throat infection is a process. As to losing your high notes forever... you'd have to create some serious vocal damage to do that. It might help you to read how I lost my voice and regained it: http://blog.judyrodman.com/2013/10/how-my-damaged-voice-came-back.html

Hi Judy! Just seeking some further advice- I completely lost my voice about a week and a half ago, and it feels like a very long recovery process. For about a week I've had a lingering, nagging cough, and experiencing what feels like post-nasal drip. I've been on vocal rest as much as possible, drink a lot of tea with honey and other liquids, and have cough drops to help with my cough. Being in a demanding musical production that opens next week, I would really like my full voice back (my lower register is fine, but my upper is very weak) and was wondering if you had any additional advice/ generic medicines to suggest. Thank you so much!

The cough is your big problem - especially for your head voice. I find that otc meds do little for this singer's nemesis as long as the mucous and irritation is there. Do try some kind of nasal douche (Neti pot,etc) to soothe the back of your throat and ease the cough reflex. And check your diet. For now eliminate absolutely anything that would be mucous forming, add alkalizing foods like celery, veg broth soups, green drinks, steamed veggies. Add ceyenne pepper to things you eat and drink. Fruit-protein smoothies should be fine in the A.M. Water water water. Use the very dilute pineapple juice when you're vocalizing and rehearsing. AND... I'm not a medical doc, do remember this is just my advice based on my personal experience and not a sub for a doc visit:)

Hi Judy I am a 39yr old male and just over a month ago I started to sing, only to find that I could not longer hit the notes I have always been able to hit. This is still the case and its freaking me out a little. I feel in good health and don't have a sore throat or sinus issues. Have you come across this before? I'm starting to get worried.Kindest regards,Damian

Damian... yes, it is quite normal not to have your full range if you've stopped singing for a period of time. It's like physical exercise with any muscle... lay off for a while and when you get back to it, you can't do what you could before. The answer is to slowly start to use your voice... WITH GOOD FORM!! The problem comes when fear causes a guarding behavior, which can sabotage breath control. If you'd like a lesson to assess your issues and get you started on the right track with your practice, let me know. Good luck!

I've read this list and think it's pretty amazing how you respond to everyone. What a gift of your knowledge. My story: I'm a singer/songwriter and singing is one of my greatest joys. I had bronchitus about five months ago which was exacerbated by allergies. I was put on antibiotics and steroids. I also am a teacher which involves lots of talking during the day. I've noticed changes in both my speaking and singing voice. My speaking voice is raspier, and although my singing voice is clear in higher and middle range, it is raspier (as if there's a sort of buzz) in the lower range. I'm concerned that this instance of bronchitus may have done irreparable damage to my voice (Also, over the past seven years that I've been teaching, I have probably had 2 to 3 instances of laryingitus that I have had to 'teach through'). I'm unsure of what to do next: maybe I should do more vocal warm ups? maybe I should go see an ENT to look at my vocal cords? I'd appreciate your feedback. Thank you! Lisa

Hi Lisa; thank you for your kind words! OK, any chronic raspiness that you can't get out needs to be attended to. Yes, it's a great idea to get an ENT to check your cords - best to go to a voice clinic for a specialist. Yes, bad technique in your speaking voice can be a huge reason for limitations in your singing voice. Check out this video I did on "Saving Your Speaking Voice" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkdJqnKGT4I . Sounds like you could use some vocal re-training, too, with assessment of any technique you're using that is causing you problems. I wish you the very best, and hope that video does help. One other thing to know... you probably have NOT done irreparable damage to your voice.. but the sooner you stop doing that which is causing strain and fatigue, the better.

Hi Judy, I really found your article helpful and interesting. I have had laryngitis(or what seemed to be laryngitis) for a little more than a week and my speaking voice seems normal now, but I still have a dry cough feeling in my throat and my voice seems to have that helium effect when I sing. One of the things I noticed during the one week period was blood in my mucous. Most of the blood has cleared out and now my mucous is the color brown. Am I healing, or did I start talking too early?

Dear Anonymous... whenever you have colored mucous you should get checked out by a doc. You might need antibiotics. Definitely if it continues, make an appointment. In the meantime, do take care not to use your voice too much, especially as long as the helium effect lasts when it's not due to a lot of singing. It means your cords are still inflamed. Patience! Talk as little as possible, with bell-like clear tone and no whispering!

I did go to urgent care and was prescribed the oral steroids. The doctor said it is what's normally given to opera singers. They said to get it filled if my condition continues for more than a few days (a little over a week ago). Hearing that it was steroids made me nervous to fill the prescription. I've seen countless sites that did not recommend the steroid and a few of your comments about them. Is it risky to go that path? Thanks so much for your input. I know it's been like 4 years since this article was posted. I am grateful for your time.

I know it may seem like a cop out or glib reply on my part to give you a medical disclaimer, but the truth is, you really do need to take into consideration your physician's counsel for your condition. Then make your own decision.

I will admit that for a very important gig many years ago I once took steroids for laryngitis - in my case they prescribed it in the form of an inhaler. I sang and got through the gig (barely) and then had to rest my voice. As I remember, it was at least three weeks before I started getting it back. Sometimes performers go for a quick fix if it's a gig emergency, but steroids should not be used as a long term vocal fix. If you do take them for a gig you absolutely don't think you can cancel, get to the bottom of the reason for your laryngitis. In my case, it was systemic... eating foods I didn't digest well which made me toxic and readily open to any upper respiratory bug that floated by.

Remember that the best thing for active laryngitis is vocal rest. So instead of resorting to steroids, cancel your gig if possible til vocal cord inflammation subsides!

Hi Judy i went to a festival and when i got back i got a chest infection and majorly lost my voice. ive just fnished my medication and feel alot better still have a dry cough and phlem but other than that alls ok. But im ashamed to say i did not rest my voice at all in this period and as soon as i got it back i started singing again. Most of my range is fine except my high notes and my whistle tones which just won't come out im worried that ive damged something, you know how self diognosis goes on google. Is it uncommon for this to happen? or do i just need a vocal rest? Thanks

Hi Judy, I am really hoping you reply to me because I am freaking out right now... I am a singer and a voice teacher and I teach voice six days a week. As you can see already, I use my voice a lot and without it, I am lost... Recently, I began to notice a decline in my high notes, but I thought it was nothing serious because I am a soprano and a big fan of belting. I have properly trained my mix voice (being a voice teacher myself) and know how to use it without straining. I haven't done the best job at always warming up before I sing, but I never sang to the point where I felt any strain, pain or loss of notes. I have never lost my voice from singing. Then just the other day, I started losing notes in the middle of my registers. There is a rasp when I try to sing in falsetto and some notes are gone. I used to sing like a bird and even have whistle. I am freaking out and do not have health insurance so I can't see an ENT any time soon... I've been drinking ginger tea, water, throat coat, speaking as little as possible and sleeping as much as I can. It's been about a week and I am seriously depressed over this... I guess my question is - if I lost notes, is this temporary and can it be regained? I heard that loss of notes in the middle of scales are a sign of nodes, but I do not feel any pain... Today when I was teaching voice, I got very tired after about 5 hours and started feeling very vocally fatigued... What do you suggest? Please help, I am so depressed from this!!! My voice is everything to me! Thank you so much.

Hello Anonymous. I hear your frustration; I'm so sorry you're having this struggle. Again, please understand that I am not a doctor and even if I was, I couldn't diagnose you without seeing you. That said, my thoughts are:

You say you are 'a big fan of belting'. You may be pushing too much chest voice, and your basic technique may not be as healthy as you think it is. Sometimes this catches up with a singer who used to get by with a degree of vocal cord stress and no longer can.

You say you got 'very tired after 5 hours'... you may have some other physical ailment which has taken so much of your energy you haven't been adequately supporting your speaking and singing voice. It could be anything from chronic fatigue syndrome to fighting a virus, etc.

You could have hormonal imbalance, which will really cause you to freak out and worry even more. Hormones affect the cords, as you may know.

Suggestions: Read this whole post and comment thread for possible help. Check your diet, your technique, your mental, physical and psychological health. Go on a period voice rest as much as possible and when you do use your voice use bell-like, quiet tone.

VERY IMPORTANT: If your voice doesn't get better, you HAVE to get checked out by a doctor. I don't want to scare anyone, but chronic laryngitis could be anything from GERD to cancer. Don't mess around with it. Let us know how you do.

Hi Judy, thank you so much for your quick response! I will def pay attention to all the things you mentioned and read up on all the comments/the post you wrote about how you lost your own voice at own point. You're right -- I have been pretty intensely upset over the loss of notes and throwing little emotional fits to people in my life HAHA! And I prob do push a little too hard when I belt... As long as its not gone for good... I'll give it another week of extra rest, fluids, etc. and if its not better, ill try to find a way to see someone. Thank you so much for dedicating your time and energy to all of us! You are so kind, I really appreciate you <3

Hi, Judy! I don't think my last post went through, so I am trying again. I am a teacher (not a singer). I have lost my voice and have found your post to be very helpful. However, I have question that I do not see mentioned in the blog. I am unable to even hum at this point. I am guessing I should not attempt to speak until I am able to hum. Would this be a correct assumption? Thanks so much for your advice.

Hi Anonymous... the answer is an unequivocal yes! If you can't even hum your poor vocal cords are swollen and do not need to be sounded. Give it a good rest! Hopefully you can write what you need to say to your students. Good luck with your speaking voice! Also, you might want to check this video out that I did specifically for voices of teachers... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkdJqnKGT4I

I want to say how much I appreciate the valuable info you provide here as well as your "being there" for me when I had a question. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am able to hum today, but not in a full range. I am guessing I should avoid talking until I can hum in a full range?

Would this be correct?

I watched your speaking voice video and found it helpful. I also attempted to say some tongue tanglers without feeling breath on my hand, but this made my throat hurt a bit.

Here is my plan: (1) hum, hydrate, gargle, etc, (2) avoid speaking until I can hum in all ranges (is this being over careful?), (3) take a sick day from teaching tomorrow, continue with hydration/gargling and start with tongue tanglers plus use dilute pinapple juice as needed, (4) return to teaching on Tuesday continuing with the dilute pineapple juice.

QUESTION: You mentioned two terms I did not understand: "bell voice" and "head voice." I was wondering if you might be able to explain these further or if you had a video with examples of these? I did see your comment above that said, "Learn how to use as little air pressure possible when you do speak and speak without pushing (low volume) but actually speak in a higher register with bell-like, NON-BREATHY tones."

I am guessing this is the bell voice you mentioned, but I either don't understand it or am not yet able to do this. Is this what I would be doing with the tongue tanglers?

p.s. My next goal is to figure out why I seem to have this problem every Oct. Guessing it is mild allergies, stress, lack of sleep, combined with a cold. When I felt symptoms coming on this year, I used Zyrtex allergy meds, which seemed to help, but now I am wondering if this dried my throat too much. When my symptoms became more cold like, my next step was to try Mucinex, but it did not prevent the Laryngitis/pharyngitis.

Thank you again for your expert help. You are saint for listening to everyone's problems and offering assistance.

Yes, your assumptions are correct on these points with this exception: Don't try to habitually speak too high. Many people make this mistake. Just use all parts of your range - more musical, conversational and engaging vocal tone, instead of monotone. I do think it's a good idea to speak in your higher register (head voice) a lot while doing tongue tanglers, as good exercise for this less used part of your voice.

It's good that you ask questions and want to dig a little deeper. If you'd like to take a lesson, let me know and I can personalize these instructions. Even 30 minutes can be quite helpful to you.

Hi, Judy! Sherri again! Just a quick note to update you! Your tips worked great! In just 3 short days, I went from not even being able to hum to returning to my teaching voice. Today, I was able to talk all day long and project so my students could easily hear me! Yeah! Note: I am a bit more gravely sounding this evening than when I started out this morning!.

I wanted to add that I especially love your pinapple juice (25%) plus water (75%) drink! I have a hard time consuming enough fluids.This blend not only tastes great, but also soothes my throat while keeping me hydrated!

It is also great to know that you offer sessions online! I will definitely keep this in mind for the future.

Hello Judy,I just came across this post hoping that I can get some help. I have viral laryngitis and I am currently starring as Maria for my schools production of Westside Story. The opening night is in 4 weeks and I am stressing out. My Dr. told me not to talk at all for an entire week, but this also forced me to cancel my vocal lessons. Im scared that even when I am allowed to talk again, I wont be able to sing in my soprano range by the show.

Hannah... here's the thing... if you have actually been advised by a doc not to sing for a week, your laryngitis is significant, and you DON'T want to work those swollen cords. Let them heal, then get to your vocal exercising. If you're using correct form, you can make terrific progress in only a week. With swollen cords you've abused however, your soprano range could be out of reach. Relax and heal:)

Hi,Awesome post... I have a recording coming up and I have just recovered from a sever viral infection and laryngitis . My voice is still hoarse and sounds nasal. Also when I try to sing I suddenly get an allergic nasal block and so it sounds bad.I sound like a beginner and no where close to a recording artist..Could you please list down what I could do to get my professional voice back, like exercises or remedies? Would be of great help.. Thanks in advance

Hi Anonymous. If you want a more extensive list of remedies, you can sign up for my newsletter (see the box to the left on my homepage) and get a 5 page report on vocal health, no charge. You also could book a vocal lesson so that I can assess your voice and personalized a set of vocal exercises for you. Just contact me at judy@judyrodman.com for details.

Ive been playing piano and singing old show tunes at Nursing homes, Asst living, etc. An aquaintance just got over a bad cold w/voice loss. Then I got it!...I never get colds...when 1 feels like its taking hold, I do the Dr. Oz thing...1000mg vit c and nasal wash...always worked...not this time...The coughing fits were that scary kind where you cant breath...after 2 or more wks, wasnt much better but can talk now in a low voice...no singing though...could it be that Im 63 & its all over...the residents are just terrific and I really feel like I make a difference. Ive tried a couple of things youve mentioned but Im afraid like so many others that Im done...I keep fit and never get sick, I just dont get it. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks for all your help so far...Im grateful to have found your website.

HA, TMO... I'm telling you from personal experience, just let it pass. It may take another two or three weeks to completely get everything back, if you take care not to irritate it now, but it should come back better than ever. You will need to take it slow when you start singing again; just like physical exercise don't over-do and you can build your stamina back safely. Try the exercises I've suggested... slow and easy, remember. Of course if there is still a mystery, go to your doc to rule out serious complications.

But hey, even my naturopath gets a cold from time to time. She calls it a 'healing crisis'. Unfortunately for those of us who need to sing, the cough that can accompany the cold can really do a number on our cords. But not to fear... take some time off, take care of yourself, make them wait and when you sing again it will be all the more appreciated:)

I am getting over a bad cold-turned-sinus infection (including a cough). My voice was hoarse but is slowly getting back to normal, although I'm having trouble singing in my head voice (I can't control the volume level and it cuts in and out) which is inconvenient since I am a first soprano in choir and have a choir concert coming up. I just wanted to make sure that this is a normal thing to happen after a bad cold/cough... Should I avoid singing in my head voice for a while or just wait for it to come back fully while trying my best? Thanks for all your advice!-Karis

Hi Karis; signs your vocal cords may be swollen include your loss of head voice and head voice control. The coughing could very well be the culprit. You could try voice rest for a few days, then try some easy vocal exercises to regain your voice. But do NOT push it. If your voice continues to feel this way for a couple of weeks and doesn't get better, don't trust self-diagnosis. See a doctor. Get your cords examined with a scope by a laryngologist.

Hi Judy!I'm 17 years old, and I am a singer. Since I was eleven, whenever I get sick my voice gets hoarse. Usually if I'm careful with it, it is okay again in a few days. However, about a month ago I got the flu, and the next week I went on a bus trip. I tried to limit my talking, but the lack of sleep and cold air outside got to me, and by the end of the trip (it was 2 days) I had no voice. I have completely stopped talking, other than occasional lip trills or a few words a day, from 3 weeks ago to the present. Unfortunately, a few days ago I got a cold, so now my voice feels weaker than it was a week ago! It's all very discouraging, I drink lots of water and teas, have been resting it, have tried honey, and steam.... I'm trying to see a voice therapist but can't get in for a while. I have an interview at a college next week, and am scared I won't be able to talk! What do you think I should do?? Thank you so much!!!~Natalie

Hi Natalie... really, the very best thing is to rest your voice and get in to see a doctor. Like getting an injury anywhere else, you must let that heal before attempting to get stamina back again. Keep drinking lots of water, taking good care of yourself physically and emotionally in all ways and if you have to reschedule something, you just do. You're human. Not a machine. Breathe.

Thank u Judy...I am examined by the doc with minor acid reflux and a bit swollen chords....which was the root cause of my problem..I am on antibiotics for 10 days...........also can u suggest some ideas or exercise as to how to work against reflux....thankew once again...ur the best

Hi James, great that you went o the doc! Now dig into the cause of that reflux. Research changing your diet and adding enzymes to your meals.

As to vocal exercises, doing simple ones with the right form (pulling instead of pushing sound) should help to reduce stress on your cords. That includes the one in my post. Be careful, don't strain your voice - if in doubt, don't sing it out!

Hi Judy Im Miles 23 Years Old and singing is my profession/livelihood. I sing at 2 hotels at night every mondays to fridays (1st hotel from 6:30pm to 9pm and at the 2nd hotel from 9:30pm to 12:45am for 3 sets of 45mins.) and i have 2 day-offs every saturdays and sundays. I work with that kind of schedule for already 1 year and 8 months straight with no vacation. Now, i am suffering from hoarseness and raspy voice for like 2 months now. Its my first time to have this kind of voice illness since this is my first timw to work at 2 hotels a night for 5 days in 1 year and 8 months. I went to the ENT last time and said i have a swollen vocal chords. He gave me medication and sad to say i finished the medication but until now i still have this raspy, low pitched voice of mine. I easily get hoarse voice after singing 2 to 3 songs and now its so hard for me to sing coz of this tight feeling i feel around my nech along the throat. Very depressing because i always sing and hit high notes effortlessly but now i cant even hit songs in 2 frets lower from a standard one. I am so hopeless if i can still get my voice back. For temporary relief i take prednisone (corticosteroid) 40mg 5 hours before i sing. I know it it dangerous to take corticosteroids everyday just to get the voice back a little for my work. Please help me Ma'am Judy. What else can i do? Can i still get my precious voice back? I need your help asap. :(

Oh dear Miles, you are going to have to seriously think this out. If you keep singing on those swollen, cortizone-artificially-shrunk vocal cords, you will indeed lose your voice and risk never getting it completely back. You MUST rest your voice. And you need to re-train your technique. But you must rest your voice and let it heal before even beginning some exercises. How long? I am not a doctor, but if I were you I'd go on complete voice rest for at least a week This has set you back in your vocal career. Don't let it stop it permanently. Think of yourself as a vocal athlete... any professional ball player would be benched until a strain healed. Good luck, and let me know if you want to consider vocal lessons when your cords shrink naturally..

so glad I found your website. Suffered a bout of laryngitis about 4 weeks ago and I am now on the mend. The only problem is I have a performance in just over 3 weeks and the very top of my range has not yet returned. Any suggestions of exercises that may help it to return and to strengthen my voice again. Thanks

Anon... I would suggest following the protocol of this post, and slowly stretch into your upper range by pulling for vocal sound instead of pushing. Lip bubbles and tongue trills, sirens, other scales through your range and then extended. Be sure to keep jaw flexibly moving, eyes active, head level and floating. I'd be happy to give you a lesson to show you how to do this. The vocal exercises you use need to be done with the right technique to safely and confidently build your upper range back.

Hi JudyThankyou for taking the time to respond to all these messages. I am based in the uk where visit to an ENT can only be done by referal or privately. I am now seriously thinking about that option as I dont think I am getting anywhere with my doctor.

I am 28 yrs old and for many years i sang all the time, school, college, work, theatre, choirs etc. I have never had an issue with my voice and have always found having a wide range and a powerful voice very easy and without trouble or pain. I had professional singing lessons for yrs and would be pretty much singing to myself all the time. Then in the last few yrs i have found that my entire voice has changed for the worse. I didnt get larangytis or a bad cold/cough but i did start to feel plehgm at the back of my throat quite badly (especially at night) and clearing my throat continuosly would leave my throat sore. Doctors gave me allergy tablets, cold rememdies,neti pots, recommended inhaling steam Inhalers etc but i find some nights the pleghm will turn up (though it is better and now happens far less often) but more worryingly my vocals are shot. My base notes seem to be ok but as soon as i get into my mid range it turns to a whisper with no power at all. My top notes are not as high as before and although they have more power than my mid range they are not as clear as before. I cant get the blend at all anymore and as soon as i move into my mid range or above my throat starts to feel strained so i stop singing all together. I actually barely sing now even at home which family members have noticed and this is due to the awful sound it makes and the fact i think perhaps i am tiring it out futher.

I am definitely going to try and push again to see a specialist but i wondered if this sounds like anything you know of or if there is anything else you might recommend.

Natalie, what you are describing certainly warrents an examination by a laryngologist.(also known as ENT) who specializes in voices. You really must rule out any organic damage or disorder.

Beyond polyps, nodes, silent reflux, paralized vocal cord or other even more serious disorder I won't mention, I would suspect either a learned guarded behaviour leading to some kind of muscle tension dysphonia MTD, with accompanying counter-productive vocal technique skewing the mix voice mechanism and chronically swelling the cords. This may require some re-training.

First and most important step is that visit with voice-specialist doc. Please let me know how you are doing! Don't stop until you find your answers.

Hi there, I am a lecturer and a mother of three children..so I used to use my voice a lot. Every few years I would lose my voice for about 2 days. I now have been without a voice for 9 days. ENT sees no damage just mild inflammation of larynx but after 3 days of cortisone there is still no imporovement at all. Can you advice me..I'm getting really scared.

Hi there... so sorry you're having this trouble. It could be that you have become skittish and guarded about your voice (of course afraid to hurt it) and the tightness in posture the way you are powering your voice from too high - through tight throat - is causing the problem. i have two suggestions: Go to another doc for second opinion, and get some vocal training to learn healthy techniques for getting your voice back. Good luck!

Hi, Judy! I love your site and your great advice! I'm about to be in Nashville recording (Steve Dady's Sunset Blvd) on June 15-17. On April 12, I sang at an event for 2-3 hours. Felt fine and didn't strain. I'd noticed LOTS of drainage the night before. By that evening, I had the worst case of laryngitis I've ever had due evidently to a combination of a virus and allergies. (I'm a pastor and singer, so . . . that's a problem!) Preached the next Sunday, but was not even nearly as well as I'd hoped. A week later still, my ENT said to try to rest my voice as much as possible for 10 days and do vocally only what I had to. (Which killed someone, of course. ;-) Funeral. Then the next Sunday preaching. We are NOT a mega-church and I had little choice.) But I did try to rest the voice as much as possible for 12-13 days.) I started singing some (practicing for the recording) last week. My voice is certainly a lot better, but I still feel like I'm having an unusual amount of drainage. Both in speaking, just talking, and in singing--particularly low (though I'm a low guy naturally)--I feel like my vocal folds still are a bit gunky or something. It's probably hardly noticeable to most folks, but it is to me! This is the Texas panhandle, and between dust and pollen, wow! I've never had terrible allergies, but usually at this time of year, I'd take an antihistamine like Allegra (except at times when I'm about to perform); I know singers are told to avoid antihistamine. My doc gave me a kenalog shot. I'm taking nasal steroids (Nasacort). I've been drinking water like crazy (so much so I doubt I could stay away from the bathroom for a whole set!), and I'm using a Pur-mist steam inhaler. Though I think I could record today if I had to, I really would like to be 100% when the time comes! Is there anything else you can suggest? If this mucous keeps up, do I need to chance the antihistamine? Thanks so much!

Hi Curtis... thank you for the kind words; glad you find the post helpful!Allergy season is definitely upon us. Nashville is the allergy bowl, it seems, of the world. Which is not helpful given all the vocal recording going on here.

You did very very well heeding your doc's advice to rest your voice. Voice rest and hydration are the most important thing you can do. Yes, the antihistamine can cause your vocal cords to dry, so only use what you absolutely feel you must. I would try the Neti pot morning and night if I were you. Anything to get at the root cause ... the allergen... and get it removed.

Your vocal technique needs to be at its best and your breath the most controlled. And you may really be amazed at how drinking diluted pineapple juice can help you (1 part pineapple to 3 or 4 parts water). Just have some made up and handy for rehearsal, recording or performing (and yes, for speaking, too).

For the past almost-week, my voice has felt scratchy and hoarse, though I never lost it completely. I don't believe that there was a case where I over-used it, however. I just assumed I was dealing with a common cold.A few days ago, I felt that something was swollen in my throat, so I went to a regular GP to have a look at it: he said that there was nothing really to worry about. From personal evaluation: swallowing feels scratchy and awkward, and I often have the urge to cough. I still get the tickle in my throat which just further causes me to come up with bouts of coughing.

I've been drinking litres upon litres of water (the bathroom breaks are really the most annoying thing!) as well as honey-lemon water. I've also had some butter-menthols to remind me to keep my mouth shut - I've tried my best to stay on vocal rest for the past three-odd days. Last night, however, a few friends and I had a little gig singing a closing number for a formal dinner: I managed to croak out some notes for this, at least. The Australian winter also isn't doing very much for me: I'm trying my best to keep warm even if it does look horribly unfashionable.

The thing I'm concerned about is a callback I have for a show on Wednesday, which is, really, rather soon. I also have in the way of that, on Tuesday, a drama exam in which I have to make some ungodly grunting sounds which I feel could damage my voice further. I'm trying to see if I can alternate these noises for something else!

Today I've come down with a very annoying runny nose and a headache, and swallowing still feels very uncomfortable. I just tried coming out with a few notes and even though I tried using my normal technique, the notes felt very strained though they would usually be very comfortable for me to sing. My callback song is a pretty demanding one, so just wondering if my voice would be back to its normal agility by Wednesday and what else I could do to get there.

Hi Belinda... first of all, it's always better to go to a laryngologist who specializes in working with voices and can scope your cords looking for specific dysfunctions related to voice. Sometimes puzzling voice trouble like you're describing (which you don't attribute to vocal abuse) can be due to medical conditions like GERD or sneaky silent Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). You could try taking enzymes supplements with your meals like HCL Pepsin preparation and protease if you eat meat. I'd sure use some kind of nasal douche morning and night such as Neti Pot. Dilute pineapple juice water could help when you practice, and to have on hand for performance. But if it seems nothing helps... do make an appointment with a voice-specializing laryngologist. Chronic laryngitis can be a sign of something much more serious. Good luck and please let me know how you do! (And do keep pressure off your cords by using good vocal technique)

Hi Judy,I'm pretty sure I have laryngitis... I have read a lot of articles and all of the symptoms point towards it! I wouldn't be worried as I have had it now for 4 days and I feel it improving, I am resting my voice (which is difficult for me and all of my singing clubs), drinking plenty of water and have even backed out of a performance next weekend as to allow for full recovery. I depend on my voice and if I don't get it back how it was for singing I will be sooooo upset! However, on Tuesday I felt a sort of cold/ throat infection coming on (there's a lot of it going around in my school) and I stupidly pushed my voice into a sort of belting range and that evening my voice was GONE. I had to come home on Thurday because of a bad headache and I could barely talk. Basically will my voice come back? What can I do to ensure it comes back to exactly the way it was? Will it be the same? if there is anymore information you need please message me! Thanks!

Dear Anonymous... first of all, please understand it's going to take time for your voice to heal. You are in school, so you must be young, and feel bullet proof, but the truth is, your voice is very vulnerable to damage right now. Wait til you get well, talk as little as possible and then consider taking a vocal lesson, from me or another coach you know, to start getting your voice back. It may take 3 weeks to a month, so be patient. If it isn't getting better, do see a doctor because you may need a diagnosis for exactly what's wrong so it can be fixed. In the meantime, DO NOT PUSH YOUR VOICE. But don't be afraid, either. Just wait on it..

Dear Judy,I'm a voice teacher who encountered bronchitis over fall break. I've been on complete voice rest except coughing. I'd like to know how I could get my midrange back quickly in time for a performance this Thursday. I am really concerned about how raspy it is. Any quick methods? Best,Megan

Wouldn't closing keeping the door open while running a cool mist humidifier make it Harder for the room to humidify? How much of a crack should we leave open? I live in California and is currently 20 percent humidity

Hey Judy, I'm a local radio show host. I had a cold last week, nothing major. I was an auctioneer at the end of the week, a Sat night. Come Monday morning and ready for work, I have no voice. Barely a squeek. It is day 5 now and nothing. Not any better or worse than the first day. I am needless to say, freaking out. Any advise?

Hello Unknown... So sorry I couldn't reply sooner; I have had to delete some earlier comments to fall under the limit of comments on this blog. Hope you got your voice back by now; sometimes you just flat have to wait it out! The important thing is not to push it and cause further damage.

Tatiana... again, so sorry for the late reply. I do much better with a warm air humidifier, if I keep it meticulously clean. And then I can close the door to humidify the room better.

Megan... So sorry for not being able to figure out why I couldn't reply to you soon enough! Hope your performance went well. The coughing is probably the culprit. Sometimes you just have to wait it out until your cough subsides completely, and then work your voice back.

Hi Mohammed... I'm so sorry you have had this ongoing problem; I know how depressing it can be to lose your voice for so long! Here's the thing... try to take emotion out of it. Just get your LPR under control... by figuring out the cause of it and changing your diet, taking food enzymes with your meals, and/or getting a doctor to prescribe medication if it continues to be uncontrollable. Then, give the tissues of your larynx and vocal cords time to heal from the damage of the acid reflux. If you stop re-injuring your voice, it should absolutely come back to you! Just don't try to make it work when it's continually bathed in that acid. Be patient and let it heal!

I am in a similar situation, I had bronchitis at Christmas, which I then lost my voice, but as a teacher I do not have the luxury of a break. I want my singing voice back because I have always sang when I hit higher notes it cracks and I am at a loss as a colorutura. How do I get these notes back?

Judith, one thing you MUST do in your day job as a teacher is take care of your speaking voice. Let me point you to a video I did with information to help you get rid of vocal strain and fatigue... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkdJqnKGT4IThe other thing for you is to consider a vocal lesson. But do all the other things I've outlined in this article. Let me know how you do!

My name is Lara, I'm 14 and I've been struggling with cracking every since I started vocal lessons (1.5 years). Within the first couple of months of training, the cracking was random and inconsistent, but common in my mid range (this is all head voice by the way). These cracks weren't individual, it's almost like gargling except while singing in my head voice, it's the most embarrassing thing. I was told to keep my chin downwards and have vocal placement as high as possible, only using control on my diaphragm and lower body. Although I did so, I'm not sure if I even understood my throat well enough, cause I felt as if even when I did, I still cracked. I started to develop a mental grip on the fear of cracking, (at least that's what my choir teacher and mom told me), and that I just needed to change my mental stance on the entire situation. It began to get better and my voice started sounding better, although now I forgot how I was able to sing without cracking with vibrato and complicated vocalises. I began to convince myself that I was just afraid of my vocal teacher, and that it was normal I could only sing properly and "well-sounding," in my room or in choir. Although now, after a choir concert and varsity music auditions, I don't know what happened. I struggle to sing at all without pushing so hard with so much breath from my diaphragm. Even when the sound does come out, nowadays it's cracky and loud but breathy and sandy. I'm beginning to lose my pitch, and general control over my voice. It's to the point where I break down crying every lesson, and it's hard to sing in my room at all. It's been 3 months since the last concert (it was stressing to my voice, I don't know what the reason is,) and I'm terrified. It's getting worse and worse, my teacher said the last solution would be to consult a doctor. Even when I use the right technique it's as if my vocal chords don't allow it to change. The thing is, I love to sing, it's my passion. Any solutions?

Oh dear Lara, I'm so sorry all this has happened to you. There are so many things I disagree with in what you've said you've been taught... and obviously the training you've had doesn't work.

One thing that truly concerns me is the idea that you sing hard with a lot of breath from your diaphragm. Another is that the cracking can be handled by getting a mental grip on fear. Your mental state is important, but secondary to developing the right breath technique for your voice. I would very much like to work with you... even if just for 1/2 hour... to show you some more efficient ways to power your voice. If your parents are interested in booking a lesson, please contact me at judy@judyrodman.com .

CAUTION: If you suspect vocal damage, do get to an ENT specializing in the voice. Even if you have damage of some kind, most of the time a period of voice rest followed by re-training with strain-relieving technique (like mine) can allow your voice to heal without surgery.

Hi, Judy! I'm 14 years of age and just lost my voice this morning. Yes, I have committed a vocal sin, and screamed for two days straight at a festival. The unfortunate thing is, I have Issma in two days and my ensemble is really small, so you can really tell if one person is singing. Do you have any recommendations?

Dear Aayanna... I'm so sorry you lost your voice before your school event! Yes, screaming can certainly do it. Other than what I've written in this post, the only suggestion I have is for you to take the long view and realize that you can't MAKE your voice perform right now. Don't injure it further. If you can do the things I suggest and sing quietly instead of full volume WITHOUT your voice hurting you, tell your leader or director that's what you'll be doing. If you can't make a sound without your voice hurting, you'll need to bow out of of the performance or risk further injury. With care and rest, your voice should come back. If it's still missing after a couple of weeks, go to the doc to be checked for vocal damage. If you recover your ability to speak and sing without pain but notice your voice is not as good as it used to be, ask your parents about getting some vocal coaching. Good luck and next time... pull your scream backwards like wise rock artists do!! Or better yet, just make crazy sounds in your head voice:)

I lost my voice recently and before this I was a counter-tenor, now I can't go into anything above my very low end of my falsetto. How can I work getting that back if I can only do a couple notes there?

Tylor, you may need vocal coaching to get your head voice back completely. For now, don't do anything that hurts you. Just gently coax those notes back, starting by pulling a non-breathy, yawny 'oo' sound, one note at a time, and letting it fall off.

Hi Judy. I'm Ella, female, 16 yrs old. My voice has become husky since I was 12 yrs old. My mom told me that this was normal. That this is my normal voice. But I remembered there was a day where i feel pain in my throat when I was 12 yrs old. My voice become worst when I was 14. It was very husky. Luckily by the age of 15 I can manage to control my voice but it was still husky. We went to a doctor and he told me that I have Laryngitis. And he gave me a medicine that I need to take twice a day for 7 days. Is there a chance that after taking the meds after 7 days my voice will return to normal, where it will not be husky anymore?

Hi Ella... here's the thing, a healthy voice is NOT husky unless they make a husky sound on purpose in a song. In my opinion you really need to get to the bottom of what is causing the huskiness, and deal with that. I also would well imagine you need to sing with better technique. Make sure you're drinking enough water. Keep reading blogs like this one and at some point think about getting a vocal coach, if your parents agree. But yes, with time, good information and technique changes you should have your healthy voice again, not husky by nature. Good luck!

I used to have really nice Falsetto and haven't used since at least 10 years. On Feb 28th/2016, I tried to record some Bee Gees and Frankie Valli but could not get those high notes (I did not scream and yell or anything like that, just use my voice muscles to get to those falsetto notes). After 30 minutes trying real hard I had to stop because I've got pain from my left upper muscle all the way down to my left vocal cord..The next day when I woke up I found a little blood from my left nose but I still can talk normally. 2 days later I began to feel more and more pain, I can still talk but I began to have sharp pain from my left throat to my left ear each time I do and the back of my nose was also swollen up.So, I had to stop talking until I got to see my ENT Doctor 2 weeks later. After using a camera through my nose to look in my throat for 2 minutes he said that I have chronic laryngitis, gave me Prednisone, told me to see him again in 3 months and referred me to a voice therapist.I took the medication and after 6 days the swollen was still there so I went to my family doctor where He gave me Amoxicillin for 10 days.Believe it or not the swollen went down, the pain to the ear began to calm down, became dull instead of sharp pain then gone. I was happy and began talking normally for almost 10 days, then all of a sudden the infection and swollen and that same pain came back and I had no choice but stop talking and scheduled myself to have voice therapy in 3 more weeks when available.Right now if I tried to talk , my left throat will be swollen and so do my nose, i also have clear mucus in the back of my nose and throat. My voice is hoarse but it would be almost normal if I can to clear and spit the mucus out, of course I would not do that in order to rest my vocal cords.I went back to my family Doctor again and this time He he gave me LEVOFLOXACIN antibiotics for my throat and MONTELUKAST SODIUM for my nose. ...After 3 days, which is today, I feel a bit better but my voice is still hoarse, my nose and throat would swollen up if I try to talk ...I read your page and I really appreciate what you have done for people. I thought that if I write to you, may be you would have an idea of what 's wrong with me ? Sorry that I wrote too long.

Hi John... wow, you are having a lot of trouble indeed. There is no way I could know what caused your condition, perhaps a combination of incorrect technique for sounding your falsetto, straining your vocal cords and making your throat and nasal tissues vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens. Right now I would suggest you heed your doctor's advice, or get a second opinion. Yes, voice rest is a great idea. When your mucous membranes truly heal from the infection and inflammation, you might try seeking an alternative medical practitioner to work with your health in a preventative, holistic way. And get with a vocal coach who can help you improve your vocal technique instead of stressing your voice again in the old way. I'm sorry, I know this costs you so just take one step at a time Be patient and seek help as you can afford to. I am glad for you that you're getting medical help to deal with your acute situation; yes, get rid of any infection! Be sure and finish any and all rounds of antibiotics you take so you don't get the recurrent infection with resistant super-bugs!

First of all, thank you SO much for this blog and willingness to help so many! What an awesome thread as well. Likes many on this thread, I'm also suffering from laryngitis. I'm really struggling with it.

This is my first time to get it, and I hope the last. Like many on this thread, this has really made an impact on my job. I'm an on-air meteorologist for and NBC and FOX morning show from 4:30AM-9:15AM, then also a noon-1PM midday show. In total, I have about 55 hits per day. Please, I desperately need your help! I know you're not a doctor, but you really know your stuff! I have been so worried, and while this thread give me reasons to be optimistic...I still worry.

Here's a quick breakdown/timeline of the last few weeks leading up to now (Saturday 4/23):

- one week ago from last Tue (4/12) through Thursday (4/14) I had a nasal congestion & a little chest congestion- 4/15 (fri) woke up w congestion like I had been, but voice was more hoarse. As I worked through the the morning show my voice got more and more hoarse. Also it become more sore as the morning went on. I did a weather talk right after the morning show that was 1.5 hours long w 150 kids (so I had to speak loudly). It was a real struggle and my throat was killing me at this point. Very hard to talk. After I left a few minutes later I tried to talk...nothing...not even a fraction of a decibel. I began to re-gain the ability to lightly speak/whisper that afternoon/evening, but it hurt to talk. Then on top of all that, I started getting body aches, chills, night sweats, chest congestion and cough all while I had a 101 fever. Called doc and got on a z pack and that pred steroid pack.-4/16 (sat) voice was still same as Friday evening. All same symptoms as Friday evening.-4/17 (sun) I broke my sweat the night into Sunday morning, so that was finally gone. Voice was still struggling, but a little better.-4/18 (Mon) my work needed me to work one hour they couldn't cover...bad idea, as my voice was very raspy and it hurt to talk. Still my voice was not back yet. Stopped whispering finally, as I heard that was worse than talking quietly. The good news, I didn't feel sick at all anymore...but voice is still gone. Most of the phlegm is gone! Dry cough now. I started using the steam room at the gym and I think that has helped! - 4/19 started talking as little as possible...so I'm basically a mute at this point. Throat still sore.-4/20 voice slowly getting better, but very little change.-4/21 went back to the doctor to get another stronger antibiotic (as the z pack normally doesn't cut it for me). I was thinking my body was holding onto a little strep or infection.-4/22 (yesterday) talk voice is noticeably better than Monday...but still missIng a lot of it...I don't know how to describe it. A little helium effect w a lot of raspiness? Throat was a little sore in the morning, but got better thought the day. -4/23 (today) sore once ago sore in the morning, but not as bad as yesterday morning. Voice is slightly better than yesterday (I'll say a sentence or two each day to test it).

Sorry for all the details, but I just wanted you to see all the details...maybe there are others that could benefit or relate to this setup. The normal family doctor I've seen a few times this week thinks I got s type b flu (acts like a bad respiratory infection/cold) or a virus (which is also going around). He thinks that's what gave me the fever and laryngitis. Since the Friday I lost my voice I started drinking hot tea, Popsicles and extra vitamins...cough drops all that. Over the weekend I become more desperate realizing this is not a one or two day thing. I started doing the following on a daily basis by Tuesday or Wednesday of this week:

I'm desperate. I don't know how long I should rest up and sit out from work. I don't want to rush back and end up damaging my voice permanently. I'm supposed to go back Monday, but my throat is still a little bit sore in the Adam's apple area...and in the mornings it goes a little higher than that. I've never had a problem with acid reflux, so I don't think it's that. Here are the questions I have:

- if my throat is still sore and I'm not talking at all, should I be trying to talk?- is this a normal from laryngitis (everything I described above)?- when I hum I begin w the low end of the spectrum and slowly work my way to the top...I'm missing the lower and upper part of the range. Mid range is there...is there another way to test where I'm at? I feeling I'm gaining on that range little by little...which is keeping me optimistic.- how do I know if I have polyps on my vocal cords? Does this sound like that?- what exercises can I do to build that range and get my vocals back? - what foods and drinks are best for regaining my voice?-is it good to eat/drink those things more often for good vocal chord health? Even when I don't have hoarseness?-is there anything I should avoid eating or drinking to allow my vocals to get better asap?- I notice you recommend a lot of hot or warm fluids...so should I not drink anything cold?- do you recommend the use of steam rooms? The one at my gym has eucalyptus...is that a good thing?-I know you said cayenne pepper was good to help the vocals...should I eat w it a few times a days? As much as possible?-what about hydrogen peroxide and gargling that? I've heard that...but have not tried it.-how much should I be trying to talk every day?-do you know of a vocal coach in the Knoxville area?!-should I still be taking mucinex? Maybe there's junk stuck in my vocal chords?- is it better to gargle with apple cider vinegar? As opposed to drinking it in hot tea?- should I expect to be going back to work with hoarseness or raspiness? Just knowing that it will work itself out? Maybe go back as long as my throat doesn't hurt?-should I test my voice and talk today here and there...will it get better? Less raspy as I talk more?-I would like to find a voice coach, but anything I can do now until I find someone good?-what should I look for in a voice coach? Any certifications or suggestions on nailing down a good one?- any other recommendations?

Again, sorry for all the details and so many questions. This is my first time getting laryngitis and needless to say, I've been thoroughly freaked out. The last thing I want to do is cause permanent damage. I appreciate what you do so much on this thread.

Whew Matt... I can feel your terror at losing your voice, the most important asset of your career! I certainly feel for you. I'm glad you're being vigilant and cautious. You're right ... operating your voice too soon after such total laryngitis can re-injure it. You need to slowly work it back with gentle exercises. I would be most happy to work with you via Skype... and even one lesson can get you going with a vocal assessment and remedial exercises.

Here's what you really need to do though: Make an appointment right away with an ENT who specializes in voices (fellowship trained) and usually found in a voice center such as The Vanderbilt Voice Clinic. I did an internet search for Knoxville and found an interesting covey of ENT's at Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants of East Tennessee. Webpage is http://entcet.com/

You need to know what you're looking at. Red, splotchy irritation and vocal damage such as vocal cord nodes, polyps and hemorrhage can sometimes have similar symptoms.

Get a recommendation from the doctor as to how much complete vocal rest you must have. Once you get the all clear to sound your voice, I can show you how to'pull' your voice instead of push it at all and help you get it back.

As to what to eat, you may find this post I wrote helpful. Definitely stay away from anything that increases mucous (milk especially) or dehydrates (alcohol) http://blog.judyrodman.com/2011/01/what-to-eat-before-you-sing.html

But as for Monday... err on the side of caution. If you do go to work, speak in clear, bell-like tones in the middle of your register... don't challenge your upper and lower pitches, just do what's easy. BRING PINEAPPLE JUICE with you, and drink it diluted with water, 2/3 water to 1/3 juice. You can usually find little cans of Doles' pineapple juice at most any grocery store. Sip it right before you have to speak... it could make a huge difference. Good luck, and let me know if you'd like to do a Skype lesson.

Hi there, last year I had a bad case of laryngitis. It lasted nearly three weeks. I eventually ended up on cortisone which cleared it. This year it is back again. I seem to get laryngitis every year at the same time of year.....usually only 3 days but now for a lot longer. Is there anyway I can prevent this annual catastrophe!!

Hi Jenny... it really sounds like seasonal allergies could be the cause of this seasonal laryngitis. Try to do something about it... mainstream medicine uses avoidance, antihistamines and/or allergy shots before the need for cortisone. Alternative strategies can include (along with avoidance), acupuncture, certain homeopathic and herbal remedies, dietary changes. I would encourage you, whichever route you take, to get tested before shooting in the dark with OTC medications and natural treatments. Find out what you are allergic to, and you'll be much nearer a solution to control or reverse the allergic reaction that makes your vocal cords swell. Also... try upping your hydration. Do very careful vocal exercises to pump interstitial fluid and keep your cords nimble, but don't talk or sing loud enough to stress them.

I've always struggled off and on with my voice but in January I lost it completely for quite some time with a weird chronic laryngitis. A trip to the ENT (and a lovely scope) revealed LPR as the culprit. Despite reflux meds, in March I was still hoarse so in addition to omneprazole Thr ENT prescribed a steroid, which didn't seem to do much. In April he told me my cords looked great and he couldn't even see the LPR damage anymore; even though I was still complaining of strain and hoarseness/fatigue nothing was wrong (he rather called me high strung...). So here I am. I've been exercising every day and limiting my talking (not as much as I should--I teach English for 2 hours nearly every day and homeschool, but limiting more than normal). My husband is a worship leader and singing on Sunday's hasn't been much of an option until recently..so perhaps I am getting better, though very very slowly. Still, after vocal exercises or only a warm up and a couple of songs my voice feels so fatigued and without power that I stop talking for several hours and I have no strength or power...and it's June!! What I'd really like to know is--if there is no vocal damage, am I doing right by exercising my vocal cords daily (I'm a brett manning follower) to build them back up? I never sing with pain. Or..Should there be a period of complete rest (a day, a week, weeks) to help my voice "heal", or will that only make me weaker? I feel extra discouraged after a week of singing/struggling with hoarseness at Kids' VBS (but of course that will wear anyone's voice out, right?). Will I ever get my vocal strength back? I will gladly schedule a session with you, if you think I should be exercising. I want my voice back!! -Many thanks.

I would very much love to work with you in person... Even for half an hour we can make or should be able to make significant difference for you. My training is quite a departure from the Manning training and all I know is what works for me and my students. So yes contact me and set something up is my best suggestion

About three weeks ago I lost my voice partly due to a cold and probably partly because I overused my voice and strained my throat slightly during a night out trying to be heard over quite loud music (I however didn't exactly yell, but talked louder than I normally would). It took about a week until my normal speaking voice returned and as much as I regret it now, during that week I wasn't resting my voice and due to celebrations I yelled despite not really having a voice to yell with. I felt some slightl discomfort and pain and decided that I probably should be really careful so I rested my voice for one or two days, barely saying anything at all. As it turned out, my regular speaking voice returned relatively quickly once I did so, although sometimes my voice would "cut out" when I said certain words.

Now about three weeks later my regular speaking voice appears to be back to normal and I can also speak with about the same amount of volume and power as I could before, but I feel like I hard a hard time reaching the higher register of my voice. I'm not a singer, but I occasionally utilise higher notes when speaking to get a kind of "silly voice" for certain situations. My problem is that my voice still seems to be gone in about that register, I try to get up to around that pitch the same way I did before, but it's like I'm only getting air and no sound. Could I have damaged my vocal cords or anything else due to not resting my voice and straining it when I had lost it? Should I give it more time and hope it'll return or is there a risk it won't?

In short, yes, sounds like your vocal cords are still swollen, which will prevent them from thinning and stretching enough for your normal head voice production. Don't push your voice to sound up there; give it more time and if it still won't come back, get checked for anything serious with a doc. It could be due to other things including laryngopharyngeal reflux. Here's a video I did on the speaking voice that may help you take strain off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLrCP4p16rU

Hello. I had mono about a month or so ago (might be six weeks). My immune system isn't great, so it took me about six weeks before my talking voice returned. I am still struggling with my voice - I'm hoarse in the morning and I'm struggling with high notes I can normally hit in my sleep. With proper warm up, I can hit them but even then it takes more strength than it used to. My question is - when should I bring this up to my doctor. Do you know what the recover time, voice-wise, is after mono?

Hi Melinda... I currently have a college-age female student who is also newly recovered from mono, probably by a couple of months. Her range is coming back nicely, and her strength and vocal stamina is slowly returning. Yes, I would bring it up to your doctor; and I'd also suggest you NOT push your voice too soon if it doesn't want to stretch for those high notes quite yet. Coax them into good flexibility with very careful and longer-than-usual warmups, along with easy singing. Take the time and be intuitive about when to gently challenge your progress. But yes, I'd mention it to your doctor. It can be a breath matter, and that should come as your physical strength returns.

Hi, i had my prom on the weekend and i pushed my voice a bit my voice is a bit sore and tight and when i sing certain notes in m falsetto they go quite weak and breathy but with breath and support i can hit them... Have i swollen my vocal chords ?? what should i do ??

It does indeed sound like your vocal cords are swollen. Just go on partial voice rest for a few days (no singing, limit talking), drink plenty of water and then do some smart easy vocal exercises and sing light songs for a few days. When starting back, gently coax your lower head voice notes out until that part of your range is easy. Gradually challenge your voice to go higher. Good luck... and remember, if you care about your voice, don't abuse it!

Okay thank you so much I'll do all those things I was so concerned that it may of even been nodules but I promise i will 100% do everything you've said. I'm so glad its not something worse! I won't be hurting my voice like that again

I have a concert in 18 hours' time and seem to have developed tracheitis. Is there any emergency medication that I can take to get me through? I have a week off following this concert to recover. Thank you. Eugene

Eugene... treatment for acute inflammation can depend on cause (viral, bacterial, trauma, etc). Get a quick doctor's appointment. Leave yourself the option of cancelling due to illness (we all must from time to time). Good luck!

Have been worried the past few days about losing my voice. I am not a professional singer, but singing is my passion and I sing casually daily as a hobby.

I had a mild cold on Wed 24 Aug and it seemed like it was getting better until Fri 26 Aug late night, suddenly lost my voice (after eating BBQ and there was quite a haze going on as well). Could not talk at all, until Mon 29 Aug, morning, when I went to see the doc, I could master some words. Wed 31 Aug, I went back to work and could talk decently, but voice was still hoarse and definitely can't sing at all.

Voice slowly came back day by day, latest update was Sun 4 Sep, I could sing, but I sounded weak and I could not reach my higher falsetto notes. When I tried to, my voice came out like a balloon deflating air. Also halfway through singing a simple song, I had to clear my throat.

Went to the doc this morning again, Mon 5 Sep, I was given a nasal spray and effervescent tablets, to get rid of the remaining phlegm. Doc said that the remaining phlegm is coating my vocal cords, that's why my voice is not 100% back yet.

Am still worried, and hence this message to you, for your opinion and advice. I have not lost my voice before, so you can imagine how scary and somewhat depressing for me right now. Another note is that my voice did not hurt at all, if I swallow, or when I sing. I just had to occassionally clear my throat due to phlegm.

Hi there... I really wouldn't worry if I were you. That phlegm can really mess with the vibration of your vocal cords. It doesn't sound like your cords have been injured, just coated with gunk. Just relax and let time take care of this. Watch your diet, let you whole body rest and heal from the cold and drink more than plenty of water. If you are allergic to something in the air, deal with that, too. Then try that diluted pineapple juice when you do start to sing again. If you want more info on vocal health, sign up for my 5 pages of tips. You'll see it on my home page. You really should be back singing soon!

I'm a professional theatre performer, currently in rehearsals for a show. Got pharyngitis/laryngitis last week, got straight on a course of antibiotics the following day, I finish the course tomorrow. Did a 40 hour vocal rest between rehearsals on Saturday and Monday, and that really helped. Didn't sing in rehearsals, just said my lines and minimal talking outside of that, and my speaking voice has returned to normal. I tried doing a full, proper vocal warm up for the first time today, and had no problem with range, everything is there. My belt, however, is quite husky. Belting is my forte, and 90% of the show requires me to belt between a C and an F. I'm pretty much just going to back off that section of my voice for a while, but I've got to return to it (some time very soon), but know that pushing my voice can and will cause serious problems if I'm not careful with it.

How long should I wait before attempting to use that section of my voice again? Also, any tips to help find that line between safe, supported pushing for belting and pushing too far. I think pushing is the wrong choice of word there, but I think you'll get the idea. My belt is my strongest part of my voice, and need that for the contract for the next 14 months! We open in 4 weeks, and I need all my range and power back by then!

Patricia... You are obviously a serious singer, and wisely know that your vocal health condition matters for both the short and long term. If your full range is there in vocal exercises, then you need to do something to increase your stamina without injuring tissue. You seriously need to get to a good vocal coach to help you get your voice back in that area. Either someone local, or hit me up for a Skype lesson.

Hi, my name is sarah and im 14 years old. I have not had my voice for 3 weeks. I am not able to sing in chorus and i can barley speak. Ive done a bit of screaming at football games with marching band. I havent lost my voice for this long and im begining to think that my chorus teacher is thinking that im being lazy in class and pretending my voice is gone and this is my first year with her and i dont want to give a bad impression cause im going to be with her for 4 years if i pass the test we have at the end of the first freshman class we have, i know everything but im sure i wont pass if i dont have ny voice and its been gone for so long. I also have an audition tomorrow, and i tried to rest my voice for it this week but its still gone. I have a concert on thursday, and another audition for a group performance at the concert before the concert. What could i do to get my voice back by the audition time tomorrow?

Oh dear Sarah, if this has been going on for this long, you need to speak to your parents about getting to a doctor to get your vocal cords examined. Also, you need to be honest with your chorus teacher about your serious vocal trouble. If this teacher doesn't understand, you need to tell your parents and possibly your principal. You have a medical issue and it's causing you great stress! It can feel like the end of the world when you lose your voice, but it isn't, I promise you. Think of it like having mononucleosis. You'd need to rest for months sometimes to recover, right? Give yourself a break... it shouldn't take you months, but may take you weeks to get it back. Take care of it now, though and don't push it... that will only re-injure it. I hope something in this post will help you know what to do. My very best wishes!

Hi Judy,Thanks for your blog! I have read every entry as I'm feeling quite depressed on day 9 without a voice. I had a bad cold and cough five weeks ago. I was going on a trip after two weeks and, since I have a history of sinus infections, I went to my ENT doctor for Zithromax (I know, not the best but I'm allergic to most antibiotics). I continued to improve with less coughing each day. However I still cough first thing every morning and have overnight mucous. I take Allegra and Nasocort for seasonal allergies. Two days ago I went back to the ENT doctor who did a laryngoscopy. He said there was no sign of a sinus infection and that in his opinion I have viral laryngitis and to observe total voice rest a few more days. I'm drinking lots of water and steaming but what concerns me is the lingering cough. You noted that a cough is damaging to the vocal chords, so I fear I won't get my voice back until the morning cough resolves itself. I find sleeping raised up helps a lot along with the fluids because in contrast to the mucous throat in the morning, the rest of the day my throats feels dry. My voice disappeared after a day filled with coughing and non stop speech which I really regret as I ignored the hoarseness. In the past, I have lost my voice to coughing attributed to sinusitis but this doctor says I don't have that. Will I just have to let the cough run its course before I get my voice back? It is so isolating because I am avoiding social situations due to me being a "talker". Every day feels like a month! Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm so glad I found this blog. Thank you!

Tebby, thanks for your comment... it's unfortunately true that coughing is one of the most abusive things we can do to vocal cords, so yes, you will need to be VERY careful with your voice until the coughing stops and you give your voice another day or so to recover. Then gently begin to warm your voice up again. Don't push it, just lightly (low volume, not breathy) sing and speak.

Here's a natural cough remedy that helped me more than anything else I tried during my last cold/cough: http://everydayroots.com/homemade-honey-and-onion-cough-syrup

Keep a sense of humor; don't worry and don't rush your healing. Vocal cords are amazingly resilient and will heal if we use good technique and don't re-injure them.

Hi Judy,I can't thank you enough for all the free advice you offer here. I'm not a singer but I've had viral laryngitis for the last 10 days. I had a bad cold/cough 5 weeks ago and since I was taking a trip and have a history of sinusitis I took a z pack. I know they don't work that well anymore but I'm allergic to so many others. I seemed to gradually improve but I still have a lingering cough, mainly in the mornings. Then 10 days ago I was coughing a lot one day and talked non stop for hours. The next day I had NO voice. I have been largely silent since.I went to the ENT doctor and got scoped four days ago and he diagnosed viral laryngitis and said to continue total voice rest a few more days. I can now talk a little bit but avoid because it is forced and hoarse. You say a voice can't recover until the cough is gone three days. Am drinking lots of water, hot ginger lemon tea and steaming my head but I still have the coughing reflex which I try to suppress. It's rarely productive. I've isolated myself socially to save the voice but am getting really depressed, people need people! I would appreciate any encouragement or advice you can give me! Thanks in advance.

Thank you so much Judy! I made the onion cough syrup last night. Naturally today I hardly coughed but I think I am consciously suppressing it. With all this time on my hands it's hard not to second guess my doctor's opinion. But it's good to know that this too shall pass and silence will be worth it eventually. Sigh. Thanks again for this wonderful blog. Really the best advice I've found on the internet! Bless you!

Hello!I recently had pneumonia, ran a high fever and was coughing pretty bad.I have taken in quite a bit of second hand smoke as well at work.I lost my voice on the second day of my fever due to the coughing.I am currently still coughing quite a bit but my voice still isn't back yet and it has been 2.5weeks. I am pretty scared and worried my voice will stay this way forever,I am currently interning, but I am under the tourism sector and am working at a attraction.I work at a photo booth so I need to call out to customers constantly and talk the whole day.I drink plenty of water but my voice just isn't coming back.Any tips? :(

Hello Judy, and thanks for some wonderful and kind advice to so many struggling fellow singers. I've read most of the comments above, but sense mine might be a new challenge.

I sing in a number of amateur choirs in the UK, including esp the Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir, who were singing the Bach B Minor last weekend. I knew I was starting a cold, but have sung through colds in shorter choral evensongs before, so decided (clearly very unwisely) to go ahead, with three full-on rehearsals Thursday/Friday/Saturday before the best evening performance ever.

Already very hoarse from the concert, but still able to speak if not sing, I then went down with full-on bronchitis/laryngitis, in bed for two days and coughing non-stop (almost literally) for a good 48 hours. Now, Sunday evening, eight days on, am on antibiotics and recovering well in terms of how I feel, but my voice is completely shot. Croaky, hoarse, access to lowest notes but nothing in the middle or higher up, although able to speak fine. I haven't dared even trying to sing, and am taking gentle remedies and steam as you suggest.

Could I have done permanent damage to my vocal cords? After all, I sang full pelt for an entire B-Minor with what was already a palpable sore throat (as I write, I'm listening to the Silly Fellow refrain from Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, how appropriate). Also, my chamber choir has a concert in less than two weeks, followed by Handel's Messiah at the Cathedral and enough Christmas services to float a battleship.

What would you recommend, or indeed advise me to expect? I'm a psychotherapist, so paradoxically, talking as well as listening is at the heart of my business. Complete voice rest is not an option, though I can afford if necessary of course to miss my concerts, however bereft it leaves the choirs. Your thoughts? For which many thanks in advance.

What a wonderful resource your website is. I will alert my fellow singers, from whom you may also hear

Mark yes, you have made your vocal cords quite unhappy! What you should do is get checked out by ent who can determine how angry you've made them, and who can best advise you as to how much vocal rest you need. I understand your 'day job' requires speaking, and I will advise you to be very careful to pull, not push, your speaking voice. If you should ever want to take even 1/2 hr lesson so I can teach you this, let me know. Otherwise, try doing the things I've suggested in this post... and unless you're allergic to pineapple, do have some diluted juice with you as you consult with your patients. Just sip it to soothe and hydrate the tissues of your pharynx. By all means limit coughing, which probably had a good deal to do with your vocal cord irritation. Take care!

I came across your blog earlier so I thought I would write to you about my situation. 3 weeks ago, I got a cold (coughing phlegm etc) and within a few days, it turned into Laryngitis. I lost my voice completely for about 2 days and then it slowly started to come back. As of now, my speaking voice has nearly returned to normal apart from slight hoareness but my singing voice is still not 100%. When I do vocal exercises - I find that I can reach most of higher range but it is harder to reach the notes if I sing softly. It is almost as if they only come out if I sing loud, if that makes sense.

Just wondering if this is normal after 3 weeks? And if so, are there any tips you can give? I read that anything over 3 weeks is chronic laryngitis, however I don't smoke, and I have given up caffeine so not sure if I should fall into that category..

Emmiza, thank you for your comment... when getting your voice back, it is normal that it takes a while for the swelling to subside completely and for the muscle tone and flexibility to come back. How long varies with the degree of inflammation and the way you begin to use your voice again. The two suggestions I have is 1. Don't push your voice and 2. Consider at least one vocal lesson to get you safely doing vocal exercise again. That said, read this post so you don't develop counterproductive guarding of your voice: http://blog.judyrodman.com/2016/07/singing-scared-ironic-danger-of-guarded.html.

Hi judy! I wanted to stop by and thank you for this great post. this february, i had a severe case of laryngitis (could not speak for almost a week). your tips really helped me getting my voice back, which took me almost 2 months.

however, I caught another flu about 3 weeks ago, and since then, my voice has been very hoarse and clearly lacking in edge and stamina. I must admit i've been vocalizing a lot due to working on a project which I'll have to put out by July. do you think it's best i just give it a rest and stop? there's pressure on me to deliver and I know that this is certainly not me at my best, but deadlines are deadlines. my voice has always seemed very fragile to be honest. what should I do?

If in doubt, rest your voice. If it continues to worry you, go to a doctor and get it checked out. When you can use it gently without strain or pain, start exercising it and gradually build it up again. That is the wisdom I go by. Sometimes we singers just get sick... a lousy deal for sure!! Good luck with your project; but don't push your voice too far to get it done.

Hi Judy, I recently had pharyngitis, followed by laryngitis where I lost my voice, it then came back but I had bronchitis.. I have now recovered after a few rounds of antibiotics but I have lost my bottom vocal range. I can sing fine without pain but when I go to sing low notes nothing comes out. I have no idea what this is due to? Does this mean I could have nodules?

I would imagine your cough was hard on your vocal cords. But usually, it's your higher range that is affected by nodules. If you are in doubt, get an ENT to check it out. Your technique could be suspect, you might try my vocal exercises. Don't push!! No pain is all gain.

Hey Judy! I commented five years back when I lost my voice - and guess what, I've lost it again!! Only been a week though , and so I'm hoping it won't take 4 months to come back like last time ! Trying to rest it as much as possible. Think I've had a bug as been tired. Probably got Laryngitis and Tracheitis again! Hope you're well! X Becky X

Hi Judy,In started out with an upper respiratory infection. After going out with friends & having a few drinks on Friday night I lost my voice. I barely attempted to speak on the weekend. On Monday & Tuesday I went to work & strained to be heard. Tuesday afternoon I went to the doctor. He prescribed Amoxicillin & Cortisone & told me not to speak. I have not spoken at all since then, 3 days ago except for a 2 minute rant today reprimanding my son, attepting to scream. Not the best idea. I was told that the cortisone would accelerate the process. I am desperate to get my voice back. I have a job that I need to speak to clients, there is no back up for me. It is Sunday morning & I really need my voice back by Monday. I lost my voice 9 days ago. I have been drinking lots of water, steaming, drinking tea with honey and will be taking my last cortisone pill tomorrow. Help. What can I do to expedite the process? Please advise.

Mary I'm sorry but there is no quick fix to vocal strain. You have listed the process of your vocal condition... viral infection, alcohol and talking, straining to be heard, screaming. And screaming for even a moment is one of the absolute worst things you could do, because you're adding insult to injury. You will probably have to go in voice rest for longer and then be very careful not to go from zero to 90 as you work your voice back to normal. But if you are careful now, you may save yourself a ton of regret going forward with true vocal damage. Rest. No matter how much it costs you, if you don't, it will end up costing a lot more. I wish you well!

Hi Judy, I need your help! I lost my voice around 2 months ago and whispered the whole time I lost it as I did not know how bad this was for me it had never happened to me before. Subsequently my singing voice has taken a hit, I went to the doctors around a month ago she said my throat was still inflamed and if it didn't improve to go back. It has improved but my top range in my singing voice is just cracking when I try and belt, it doesn't help that I'm a singing teacher so am over stretching my voice alot but I have to work. I'm so worried i've permanently damaged my voice, singing is my life its how I de stress, enjoy myself, make money etc... what do I do! I've been trying to rest it as much as possible, drinking fluids and warming up before I teach. I just want my top range back, 2 months without my voice has being able to sing has been too scary!

Dear unknown... Listen, my very best advice to you is to take a vocal lesson with me. I'd love to help you. I can see very quickly what counterproductive technique you may have formed without knowing; what guarded stance that can be corrected, what you're doing that may be irritating your tender instrument. That's my best suggestion. I want my blogposts to provide significant help, but sometimes a one-on-one personal session is necessary. If you're interested, just email me at my website or judy@judyrodman.com.

Hi my name is Billy, I was having cough and cold about few weeks back. Since I recovered(not completely, there are still occasional coughs at night), I have not been able to sing properly. My voice starts to crack after singing a song or two, and I can't hit the notes that I could normally do. Need help please??

Billy; That cough is probably your worst culprit. Ease up on it as much as possible. Please try the things I recommend in this post. I even have vocal recovery exercises you can download. If that doesn't help, go to a doc and/or get a vocal lesson. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Hi JudyThanks for the free download which, for reasons I'll explain, I hope to be able to use soon. I'm not a singer but I have been teaching in colleges for over 30 years and I had always thought my vocal technique, breathing and voice projection were generally good... until 6 weeks ago. For the first time in my career I lost my voice with a case of viral laryngitis and couldn't speak at all for a week. Then my voice started to come back and I obviously did something wrong at that point (perhaps I pushed too hard or too early) because I have now been diagnosed with nodules on my vocal cords.At the end of this week I go away on my Christmas vacation and will take 2 solid weeks of complete voice rest (no talking, no singing, no humming, nothing) and I hope then to restart my voice using the techniques from your video.My question is about psychology. Already I feel a great sense of loss because my voice won't work the way it has for the last 30 years and fear, of course, because my livelihood depends on it. But more than this I get very anxious every time I try to speak because I have no idea what (if anything) is going to come out. Is this a common feeling for people who are trying to 'get their voice back' and, if so, are there any tips or suggestions (books/resources) that you can recommend to help? I feel that my voice defines who I am to a large extent and my inability to depend on it is scary, so any suggestions you can offer would be welcome.Thank you,Brian

Brian... sounds like you have learned in your life how to work at something! And you know it's a process... won by patience and persistence based on good, fact-based information. Absolutely yes, it's very common to be quite anxious about a voice you aren't sure you can trust to work properly. But that is as they say your primal 'lizard brain'. Psychologically you have to take the reins with your thinking 'monkey brain' and just do the work (or take the rest!). Here are a couple of things you may find helpful: First a post on How My Damaged Voice Came Back http://blog.judyrodman.com/2013/10/how-my-damaged-voice-came-back.html and then a video on the Saving Your Speaking Voice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkdJqnKGT4I . The last suggestion I want to give you... consider a 1/2 hour vocal lesson with me to personalize your vocal recovery process. Thanks for your comment!

Hi Judy!I had a vocal trauma by having a few drops of Oregano oil. I have used the oil number of times before whenever I felt I was beginning to have a cold. But this time the oil hit right on my vocal chords and burn really badly. I could not breath for a moment. I tried to wash down with Luke warm herb tea but did not help me much. The next morning, I felt that my vocal chords completely dried up and could not vocalize (talk) at all. I have lost my voice before but never to this extent. it has been 2 months now and my voice is better, I can sing some, but my voice gets hoarse very easily now. Does that mean that I am not completely healed? Went to see a vocal specialist ENT but he said that my vocal chords are fine. The problem is NOT the time my voice is fine though. Just a minute or so of easy singing gets me phlegmy. Would I ever get better completely to a point where I can sing again?

Hi Judy, many thanks for your articles and suggestions. I'm an opera singer, and after a really bad laryngitis, exactly a month ago, I still didn't get my voice back. I had to cancel 2 concerts… :-( As you describe it, my middle register is pretty messed up. I do have a good technique, thank God, and I did (and still do) what you suggest. I have to say, that 2 weeks after I got sick with the laryngitis, as if it weren't enough I got a very bad gastroenteritis, and I spent a whole week (sorry to say this, but I have to) vomiting. I was finally well treated and everything is gone now. Do you thing this event might be slowing down the recovery? I'm still taking a treatment which includes some anti-reflux medicines. I'm pretty sure it does count...Thanks for your suggestions and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

YES, vomiting and acid reflux definitely can affect your voice. You're instincts are correct. Allow the irritated tissues of your throat to heal; refrain from re-injuring by getting at the root cause of the irritation as you're doing. Then slowly and wisely work your voice up again. Fyi, the 'pulling' technique for breath control that I teach works also for formal singers, to get your breath pressure as efficient as possible. Using technique with that efficiency is ever more important when your throat has been inflamed or injured in any way. Good luck and thanks for your comment!

Hi Judy, and Happy New Year! THANK you so much!! It is finally getting better. As you say, I'm practicing every day, slowly, and paying a lot of attention to my breath and support, avoiding all kinds of tensions, and trying not to focus stubbornly on weak passages. It's working! Thank you so much!!! Golden advices! Have a Happy New Year! :-)